It is a pleasure to invite you to my first major solo show, 'Repetition is a Form of Change', at Looiersgracht60 in Amsterdam. This exhibition will feature my largest works to date, along with two site-specific textile installations that will be executed during my month long Public research residency at Looiersgracht60 in Amsterdam before the exhibition. Below you will find some key dates of the exhibition and public research residency.
Opening date: 18th of September, 5-8pm
Exhibition period: 19th September - 20th October 2024
Discussion with Prof. Dr. Francesca Raimondi + Exhibition Finnisage: 20th of October, 5pm
Looiersgracht 60 is pleased to announce a special closing event for Repetition is a Form of Change on the evening of October 20, 2024. This exhibition marks the first major solo show by German-New Zealand artist Sophie Rowley. Rowley’s work explores how repetitive gestures and modes of deconstruction can foster evolutionary change. The exhibition also features two site-specific installations, which were created during Rowley’s residency at Looiersgracht 60 and shared with the public in two earlier events.
The finissage will include a lecture by Francesca Raimondi, professor of philosophy at Free University Berlin, based both in Berlin and Amsterdam. Prof. Dr. Raimondi’s research spans aesthetics, critical social theory, feminism, and political philosophy, with a focus on how modern forms of subjectification and embodiment are critiqued and transformed through artistic practices. In her talk, Prof. Dr. Raimondi will connect her research to the exhibition’s themes, exploring concepts of repetition, deconstruction, reproduction, and feminist art in dialogue with the artist and her creative process. The conversation between Francesca Raimondi and the artist (followed by a Q&A) can be listened to at the below link:
Sound event in collaboration with Rami Abi Rafi and Mathilde Neuville : 21st of September, 4-6pm
Experience a unique live presentation of a sound piece created through the collaboration of visual artist Sophie Rowley and DJ and sound artist Rami Abi Rafi. The sound piece delves into the nuances of repetitive movements inherent in Sophie’s artistic process and features live sounds, field recordings, and spoken word elements, that capture the rhythmic nature of her work. The sound piece will be performed at 4:00PM and will be followed by a 45-minute ‘quiet listening and viewing session’ an ambient collage created by Mathilde Neuville. These weavings of sounds invite you to traverse the exhibition space while absorbing the works in a deeply immersive atmosphere.
Open studio Event with sculpture creation and work in progress: 8th of September, 4pm
During her residency, Rowley will initiate the construction of a large, site-specific sculpture, following extensive testing in her Berlin studio. This 'open studio' event offers visitors the rare opportunity to observe the artist in action as she meticulously weaves a three-dimensional web through choreographed, repetitive movements using fine string — an installation that will serve as a centrepiece in her upcoming solo exhibition Repetition is a Form of Change at Looiersgracht 60.
Attendees are invited to actively participate in the making process of this installation as it unfolds in real time, as well as explore her working models and process materials.
Conversation with Amelia Groom: 4th of September, 5pm
Engage in the conversation between artist Sophie Rowley and curator/writer Amelia Groom, as they delve into Rowley’s creative process and share insights with the public.
Over the past three weeks, Rowley has transformed the grounds of Looiersgracht 60 into her creative studio. This event offers a unique opportunity to wander around the space and witness the artist’s process firsthand, viewing her research materials, prototypes, and models.
Address: Looiersgracht60, 1016 VT Amsterdam
Website: www.looiersgracht60.org
Open: Wednesday - Sunday
