As we prepare to celebrate the upcoming Amsterdam Art Week, we are thrilled to introduce a diverse range of ambassadors, each with their unique perspectives on the city’s art scene, who will add an exciting and varied dimension to the festivities.
Our first ambassador is Rita Ouédraogo, a dynamic curator, programmer, and writer. With her recent appointment as a curator at Buro Stedelijk, she is making an impact in the contemporary art world. We had the pleasure of chatting with her about the upcoming Amsterdam Art Week, her work and art collection and insights on the Amsterdam Art scene.
As a curator, Rita is immensely involved in the arts and art plays a big role in her life. She believes that art can be found in any circumstance, whether it is a celebratory event or a time of mourning. In fact, art can also be found at her home. Her art collection has started with her father who came from Burkina-Faso to the Netherlands and brought with him his wide collection of African Art. Inspired by him, Rita has decorated her own house with art pieces from her father from Mali, Congo, Burkina-Faso, and Nigeria. Her collection expands beyond this, as she has also acquired artwork from contemporary artists and friends. Moreover, with her partner being a big art collector, their home has become a space for diverse artworks spanning different eras and cultures.
Rita shared her belief that the best way to explore art is through comfort. To fully engage with the artwork, one should be able to sit down and take their time. She places great importance on accessibility and openness within the art world. She emphasised the importance of people feeling at ease and welcome when entering an art gallery and interacting with the artworks. This is something that we also want to encourage when visiting the Amsterdam Art Week.
When asked about what Rita finds unique about Amsterdam’s art scene, she replied:
“The fact that there are so many different makers, thinkers, artists from all over the world who decided to reside here is quite amazing. The possibility to work together with so many different people in a relatively small city. As well as the discipline overarching character that many collectives and makers have in Amsterdam. This is something that I enjoy a lot and what I would like to emphasise in my work.”
During Amsterdam Art Week Rita is most excited about seeing and experiencing works by artists and makers she hasn’t encountered before. Her biggest tips for the week are de Appel, Thami Mnyele Foundation, De Ateliers, Rijksakademie, No Man’s Art, Made van Krimpen Gallery, Foam, CBK Zuidoost, and of course: Buro Stedelijk’s exhibition ‘Manifestation #2 Decay: An Ode to the Impermanent’. The exhibition will be open at Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam from 25 May.
Make sure to check out our full programme to explore Rita’s tips and find your own hidden gems.
