Bad Thoughts with Alexander Strengers

The Stedelijk museum is pleased to invite you to view the exhibition Bad Thoughts – The Martijn and Jeanette Sanders Collection in the company of art professionals from the contemporary practice of collecting, as part of the ongoing Gallery Talks series. During the tour, corporate collectors, private collectors, artists, and academics will discuss a selection of works in the exhibition from the perspective of their own work and interests. In this way, the Stedelijk provides room for not only new but also personal visions of the exhibition.

Throughout the exhibition period, friends and valued colleagues of the Sanders couple will organize these special tours based on their specific knowledge and expertise. These experts include Martijn van Nieuwenhuyzen (the curator of the exhibition and a curator at the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam), Carel Blotkamp (art historian and emeritus professor, involved with the Sanders Collection from the beginning), Alexander Strengers (corporate collector and chairman of the art committee of the Nederlandsche Bank), and Joop van Caldenborgh (private collector of contemporary art),

More information about the speaker

Alexander Strengers is no stranger to the Stedelijk and can be found in the museum at least a few times  every month. This is no coincidence because the chairman of the arts commission of De Nederlandsche Bank is always curious about what new things his Stedelijk has to offer. Strengers is always looking for new contemporary artworks and young, upcoming talent. Since 1985, Strengers has been involved in the art collection of De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB). In 1992, he became the chairman of the art commission overseeing the collection and his development. The focus is on contemporary art with a strong visual character. With its art collection, the DNB aims to inspire its employees, create a bond, and keep a dialogue going with them. It does so by endeavoring to create a collection, on a relatively small budget, that is a good reflection of contemporary visual art. New developments and young talented artists are closely followed and there is particular interest in works which mark the clear development of a promising or already established artist. The DNB does not limit itself to a single discipline or style. The collection ranges from glassware to video art and from sculptures to paintings. Strengers organizes eight exhibitions a year in the DNB’s art room, which can be visited by appointment. The DNB offers young and talented artists the opportunity to present their work in its exhibition room, and in this way stimulates their development. From time to time, the art commission also commissions artists to create specific works.