Bold & Gritty Stedelijk Museum Schiedam May 25- 2025. Curated by UpperClaes

On streets and squares, as well as in hidden, abandoned or overlooked spaces, many abstract paintings and graffiti are taking shape. Artists thrive in the open air, where they experience ultimate freedom, unbound by the conventions of the art world. The Stedelijk Museum Schiedam, in collaboration with Rotterdam-based curators Opperclaes, is making the seemingly impossible a reality — bringing this art into the museum. Opperclaes, the curatorial duo of Bruce Tsai-Meu-Chong and Linda van der Vleuten, has selected some of the most distinctive and authentic artists from this scene, demonstrating that their work can be just as powerful within the museum’s walls.

The international group of participating artists — Pablo Tomek (FR), Ilke Gers (NZ/NL), Yann L’Outsider (FR), Jason Revok (US), Thomas & Jurgen (NL), Mike Ballard (UK), and Kenneth Letsoin (NL) — will exhibit their predominantly abstract work at the Stedelijk Museum Schiedam from the 24th of May. Their pieces will be shown alongside those of one of their key inspirations, Katharina Grosse (DE). These artists create large-scale, vibrant abstract installations that offer a fresh, rich perspective on abstraction — one that emerges outside traditional museums and flourishes in public spaces.

Mike Ballard constructs monumental sculptures in various locations from discarded materials, including construction fencing and sheet material found on the street. He always leaves his works behind, until they decay, or someone decides to destroy them, embracing impermanence not just symbolically but as an integral part of his artistic practice.

Potential Difference. 2025

Sculpture from salvaged wooden hoarding taken from James Riley Point estate Stratford. 375x290x300cm