Sensory-friendly visit to the Andy Warhol: Vanitas exhibition

Guided by Yvette de Vries, the group was warmly welcomed to the museum. Since the visit took place outside regular opening hours, participants were able to experience the exhibition at their own pace.

"Vanitas is about transience, vanity, and mortality—key themes in Warhol’s work, as Yvette explained to us," says Corinna Sipkema, coordinator of Stichting Creatief Centrum Sittard, co-organizer of this visit. "We learned that this theme was already significant in 16th- and 17th-century art." Warhol found inspiration in works he saw at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam in the 1950s, with his preserved entrance ticket as proof of that visit. The exhibition in Heerlen even featured several works from the Rijksmuseum, creating a fascinating link between historical and contemporary art.

A Fascinating Journey of Discovery

During the tour, participants were encouraged to actively observe and reflect on what they saw. "It was fascinating to discover Warhol’s versatility," says Sipkema. "His collections, ranging from wigs and corsets to toiletries and train tickets, offered a unique glimpse into his world."

Time flew by, and after an hour and a half, the tour concluded with a group discussion in the auditorium. "Over a cup of coffee, with a view over Heerlen, we had the chance to reflect and share our impressions," Sipkema adds. "We are incredibly grateful to guide Yvette de Vries and Mr. P. Heckmanns from SCHUNCK for organizing this valuable visit."