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ARTZUID 2023

Fat Convertible. Erwin Wurm. 2019 ARTZUID, the Amsterdam Sculpture Biennale is my favorite art exposition in the world. It’s a free outdoor exhibition in the park surrounding Apollolaan and Minervalaan neighborhoods of Amsterdam with 50 sculptural works by established international artists as well as young upcoming artists. This year’s edition includes works by Jean Dubuffet, David Hockney and Robert Indiana. The sculptural pieces are fun, whimsical, playful, colorful and often leaves one to contemplate on the intent of the artist in the creation process. These works are meant to draw and engage young visitors to the exhibition. According to Jasper Krabbé, curator of Artzuid 2023, “Art connects. We would like to involve young people in the plan. Many are struggling and art can be an antidote to the current polarisation, extreme individualisation and the uncertainty fuelled by social media. I hope that at ARTZUID we can reach young people through the influences of street art, neo-pop ar

Summer 2021 in Amsterdam

  Vondel Park The Netherlands is open to US travelers and flights to Amsterdam from the US have been full. But despite the new arrivals, Amsterdam is still a sleepy town compared to past summers. You can really enjoy the city without crowds jostling for space and attention. It’s the best time to take it slow and appreciate the many attractions Amsterdam has to offer.  Tourists from green listed countries including the U.S. may enter the Netherlands if they have proof of full vaccination or a negative PCR test result taken within 72 hours of their flight. The vaccine must be one of approved vaccines by the European Medicine Agency (EMA) and the last dose must have been administered 14 days prior to arrival. There is also a health declaration form to be submitted to Immigration Control at the airport but the officer who handled my documents at Schiphol International Airport didn't bother to check my form. Face masks are required in public transportation, at airports, in the aircraft,

Sweet Summer Days in Amsterdam

Westerkerk and Prinsengracht When summer descends upon Amsterdam, the whole city is transformed. The trees are green with foliage, flower boxes are brimming with colorful perennials, the canals are abuzz with boats and partying passengers and terrace umbrellas line the sidewalks for the best of people watching. Houseboat This houseboat is cooling off under the shade of its own green plants. There are no limits to growing a garden. All you need are a green thumb and good weather. Bronze Breast by Anonymous Artist One of the important things to remember while walking around Amsterdam is to look down at the sidewalk to check if you are on a bicycle lane. Stay away from these lanes or risk being scolded by angry bikers (Motorcyclists also use this lane.) The other reason to look down at the cobblestone streets is sometimes there are surprises to behold. Like this bronze breast on the Oudekerksplein, outside the Oude Kerk (Old Church). A nod to the ladies of the night? Maybe