Preface
Martijn van Nieuwenhuyzen
When I first saw Van Haver’s paintings I was overwhelmed with a sense of pride in the Bijlmer. Her narrative and figurative style deeply impressed me, as did her choice of subjects reflecting empathy for people in marginal communities—in the Bijlmer and beyond, in the urban ghettos of Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean. It was right there and then, in Van Haver’s Bijlmer studio in 2016, that I was struck by the idea of inviting her for an exhibition at the Stedelijk Museum.
curator | Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam
Change the rhythm of the dancehall… It’s still the Same groove | 2018
265 x 320 x 30 cm | oil on burlap, hair, tar, chalk, gel, resin, homemade paint, ash, cigarettes, bottle caps, posters, paper, beads
The eyes must be obeyed… One 1000 soldiers with one 1000 dices.
When They start They make you No go anywhere… | 2018
226 x 260 x 12 cm | oil on burlap, hair, tar, chalk, gel, resin, homemade paint, ash, cigarettes, bottle caps, posters, paper, beads
Reason for Being | 2018
220 x 304 x 17 cm | oil on burlap, hair, tar, chalk, gel, resin, homemade paint, ash, cigarettes, bottle caps, posters, paper, beads
Dem smoke and blaze under Royal regime | 2018
225 x 325 x 17 cm | oil on burlap, hair, tar, chalk, gel, resin, homemade paint, ash, cigarettes, bottle caps, posters, paper, beads
Life never sweet like a Chocolate vanilla | 2018
235 x 286 x 12 cm | oil on burlap, hair, tar, chalk, gel, resin, homemade paint, ash, cigarettes, bottle caps, posters, paper, plastic
One drop.. Your heart might skip a beat for many reasons… | 2018
260 x 310 x 12 cm | oil on burlap, hair, tar, chalk, gel, resin, homemade paint, ash, cigarettes, bottle caps, posters, paper, wood
Essay
Azu Nwagbogu
The best way to approach the monumental paintings featured in Spirits of the Soil, Raquel van Haver’s first solo exhibition at the Stedelijk Museum, is to submit without trepidation to what is an overwhelming sensory experience.
We do not sleep as we parade all through the Night...
A shrine of a deity: Mothers of the soil | 2018
190 x 150 cm | diasec mounted print of photo collage
A shrine of a deity: See igbadun, Shine your eye | 2018
190 x 150 cm | diasec mounted print of photo collage
A shrine of a deity: It’s a Mental hospital | 2018
190 x 150 cm | diasec mounted print of photo collage
A shrine of a deity: L’enyin ise aye lo ku | 2018
190 x 150 cm | diasec mounted print of photo collage
A shrine of a deity: Hurry, Hurry has no glory… The game is to have no fear | 2018
190 x 150 cm | diasec mounted print of photo collage
A shrine of a deity: On the path of a King | 2018
190 x 150 cm | diasec mounted print of photo collage
A shrine of a deity: Ire mi de | 2018
190 x 150 cm | diasec mounted print of photo collage
A shrine of a deity: Purple Haze | 2018
190 x 150 cm | diasec mounted print of photo collage
A shrine of a deity: Every house a palace | 2018
190 x 150 cm | diasec mounted print of photo collage
Publication
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Editor Raquel van Haver, Martijn van Nieuwenhuyzen
Contributors Martijn van Nieuwenhuyzen, Azu Nwagbogu
Translation Laura Schuster
Copy Editing Dutton Hauhart (EN), Steve Green (EN), Els Brinkman (NL)
Project Management Sophie Tates, Gwen Parry
Project Assistance Jip Mendes
Graphic Design Sara Mattens & Jeffrey Croese, Vinger.nl
Photography Wim Hanenberg pp. 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, centrefold
Hans Wilschut pp. 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33
Printing Tuijtel, Hardinxveld-Giessendam
Print Run 1,000
© 2018 the artist; the photographers; Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam
ISBN 978-90-5006-204-6
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Exhibition
Curator Martijn van Nieuwenhuyzen
Project Manager Sophie Cramer
Project Officer Alein van der Staaij
Registrar Hadewych van Heugten
Floor Manager Luc Daamen, Mischa Rakier
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STEDELIJK MUSEUM AMSTERDAM
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This catalog is published on the occasion of the exhibition Raquel van Haver – Spirits of the Soil Nov 25, 2018 – Apr 7, 2019 | Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam
The exhibition Raquel van Haver – Spirits of the Soil is generously supported by Ammodo, the AFK (Amsterdam Fund for the Arts) and Stadsdeel Zuidoost. The Mondriaan Fund contributed to the production of new works through the Project Grants for Artists and to the artist’s wage through the Experimental Regulations. The exhibition is part of the 50 Jaar Bijlmer manifestation, with support from CBK Zuidoost.