Van der Ende is well-known for his monumental reliefs; almost flat sculptures of objects such as cars, buildings and space capsules. The sculptures he creates are archetypes of history that are familiar to everyone. His work includes symbols of progress, but also natural formations such as Crystals and more recent, transient objects such as a glowing ember of wood and a cut of meat. The exhibition offers for the first time a fascinating cross-section of Van der Ende's oeuvre (he began making his bas-reliëfs fourteen years ago), focussing on the consistency and beauty of his work, and the traditional creative process he uses.
Hand-crafted
Ron van der Ende's approach is both meticulous and time consuming. Eachof his works consist of a mosaic of countless pieces of thinly-sawn old wood that still bear their original layers of paint. He selects these veneers according to colour and shapes them by hand until they fit perfectly. The reliefs are robust in their design and from a distance appear true to life. A closer look at the veneer, however, reveals amyriad palette of tints and hues, and the rough surface of the used wood, which is fixed with hundreds of nails. The meticulously constructed perspective creates a fascinating trompe l'oeil effect, an optical illusion whereby the works appear to extend forwards into space, while their depth in reality is only about twelve centimetres. Most of the works on display are not usually exhibited to the public.
Publication
The exhibition is accompanied by the book ‘The FactorySet', an English-language monograph on Ron van der Ende's work and the ideasand creative process behind it. The luxurious 272-page book was designed by Van der Ende himself incollaboration with theRotterdam-based studio ZEE strategy & design. The book is published by Frame Publishers.
Exclusive edition
An exclusive edition of this book is a work of art in itself: the book is presented in a crafted case made from pear wood with recesseddovetails and silkscreen-printed lettering. Theupper section comprises a sliding lid made from fine multiplex with an intricatedetailed mosaic in old wood. This special edition is onsale at the Kunsthal shop.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Skip listThe Kunsthal is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 to 17:00 hrs. The Kunsthal Café opens half an hour earlier, so you can visit from 9:30 hrs until half an hour after closing time. Check the current opening hours.
Yes, you need to book a ticket with a start time in advance. This also applies if you have a Museum card, Rotterdam pass, or VriendenLoterij VIP Card. This way, you are guaranteed admission and we can ensure that your visit is as pleasant as possible. Book your start time.
Yes, with an online ticket, you can visit all the exhibitions that are on display on the date of your visit. You can also stay as long as you like. You are welcome at the Kunsthal from your designated start time until closing time. Book your start time.
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