New exhibitions at the Art Depot
In line with the exhibition Andy Warhol: Vanitas in the museum space of SCHUNCK, the theme of transience is also central in two of the three rooms in the Art Depot.
The recent opening of 'Andy Warhol: Vanitas' has likely not gone unnoticed. The exhibition reveals a completely different side of the artist, one that is new to many. Not necessarily colorful (though often it is), but more related to Vanitas: a theme centered around mortality, transience, and the finite nature of life. Alongside 'Andy Warhol: Vanitas', two other exhibitions focusing on this theme have also opened in the Art Depot.
Art Depot 1 - This Mortal Shell
In the first part of the Art Depot, on display until 16 March 2025, you'll find a selection of works from SCHUNCK's art collection that relate to significant themes from the Vanitas tradition in painting. Think of still lifes featuring objects symbolizing the transience of beauty, worldly achievements and pleasures, and the inevitability of death. Skulls, withering flowers, hourglasses, mirrors, bubbles, extinguished candles, or physical decay all fit within this framework. Works by Marjolein Rothman and Tim Ayres, titled Vanitas, clearly align with this painting tradition. You'll also see paintings and watercolors by Marc Mulders, featuring dead animals as still life. The reference to the physical body is evident in works by Natasja Kensmil, Marlene Dumas, Aline Thomassen, Machiel van Soest, and Erik Franssen, while the decay of this shell is central in Portrait of a Sick Person by Aad de Haas.
Tim Ayres, Vanitas (after Pereda), 1999, foto: Peter Cox
Art Depot 2 - Vanitas vanitatum, omnia vanitas
An exhibition connected to the theme of transience is on display in the Art Depot and the Sint-Pancratius Church: Vanitas vanitatum, omnia vanitas. This phrase comes from the biblical book of Ecclesiastes and means: "Vanity of vanities, all is vanity." It refers to the fleeting and perishable nature of earthly life. In this presentation, religious heritage from local parishes is combined with works by Aad de Haas from the SCHUNCK collection, related to the theme of transience. For instance, Mary Magdalene appears in De Haas' series of monotypes From the Life of Mary Magdalene as a biblical figure in the role of a prostitute in an everyday, contemporary setting. This role — rightly or wrongly — was attributed to her by the Church: a male-dominated world. And it is precisely this, stemming from De Haas' social engagement and aversion to injustice, that sparks his interest and drives him to depict the story in this manner.
Aad De Haas, De Dood En Het Meisje, 1965, Olieverf Op Paneel, 71,1 X 57,4 Cm, Schenking Stichting Limburgs Kunstbezit
In the Sint-Pancratius Church, there are display tables showcasing more about the biblical, historical, and legendary life of Mary Magdalene. Additionally, there is a visitor's guide with a route through the church, highlighting artworks related to Mary Magdalene and the theme of vanitas.
The Sint-Pancratius Church is open on Saturday afternoons from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM and can be visited after the daily masses. For other opening times, please check the church's website.