This month, the Museum Rijswijk is holding the first duo-exhibition of Preta Wolzak and Bas Kosters, entitled Serious International Business. Both artists have their own unique view of the world: one from within self-love, the other from adoration of militant women and their protests against injustices in this world.
With her art, Wolzak points a finger at the exploitation of the pristine polar region and the unknown women who fight to preserve the lands. Her protest takes place in the form of leather, sequins and embroidery on canvas, on a background of photographic and drawn images.
A similar protest can be found in her portrait series Ma Petite Inuit, of the original inhabitants, the first victims of climate change and tourism. The Bèta Angels series is a tribute to forgotten women in science, while the Fighting Females show women who acted against humanitarian and environmental abuses.
Kosters presents tapestries, drawings and soft sculptures, including a new series of works about self-love called Quest for self-love. Those who look closely at his work notice that Kosters not only has a rebellious side but that commitment and love form the foundation of his work.
Quest for self-love is about the importance of self-appreciation at a time when everyone is looking for validation from the outside world. Kosters also shows work from the series Tears are the glitters of life, in which the tear not only symbolises grief but demonstrates how important it is to embrace emotions.
Until 31 March 2019, Rijswijk Museum, The Netherlands.