In for life: 10 years of David Bade in Heerlen
14 Nov 2023 to 10 Mar 2024
Visual artist David Bade has a lifelong connection to Heerlen. Ten years ago, in 2013, he signed an agreement with the city in which he promised to return regularly for as long as he lives. Now, a decade later, it is high time for a retrospective in the form of an exhibition.
In this exhibition, Bade tells intimate stories of individuals and communities through works ranging from charcoal drawings to three-dimensional installations. 'In for life' additionally lets you literally golf from emotion to emotion on specially built miniature golf courses. Get 'Angry' with a racket and 'Happy' on a seesaw. The museum gallery of SCHUNCK is transformed into a lively and dynamic whole that invites you to participate, play and experience. An exhibition for young and old.
Where
SCHUNCK Glaspaleis
In for life: 10 years of David Bade in Heerlen gives a glimpse of the huge number of works (more than 100!) he created from - and thanks to - the inhabitants of Heerlen.
Whether it was in an abandoned storefront, an old cinema, a residential care centre for the elderly, a secondary school, or simply in the fresh outdoors, everywhere he set up temporary studios to connect with the people of Heerlen. David started by drawing individuals. Over the past three years, he has focused on clubs, communities and groups. These have been captured on large canvas and depicted in three-dimensional installations. Each drawing, painting and installation depicts a personal story, an immortalisation of Heerlen people in expressionistic lines and colours. David's creative process begins with the choice of location, which is often symbolic of Heerlen's community.
Emotion mini-golf courses
The works are energetic and light-hearted, but regularly the heaviness of the various paths of life also seeps through. As a visitor, you can not only admire the visual work and the people he has portrayed, but you also get the chance to play a game of mini-golf in the exhibition. This course of 'emotion mini-golf courses', or 'life courses', was designed by David himself.
The life courses depict the four basic emotions: scared, angry, happy and sad. These emotions are a nod to his collaboration with Mondriaan mental healt care - a mental health community that has touched him deeply and with whom he would like to continue working in the future. These emotions also drive the conversations and stories that inspire him as he processes and depicts his encounters with the Heerlen community.
Frictions
During the exhibition, the artist will work with clients and staff of Mondriaan mental health care to complete one of the four courses. Also, during the run of the exhibition, the first edition of the festival Frictions will take place, with performances, workshops and discussions. The festival is all about collaborations with local initiatives, social organisations and creative groups in Heerlen.
Wave your way through David's colourful art, the personal stories behind the works and, moreover, all the emotions involved. Other people's and perhaps your own.
In for life: 10 years of David Bade in Heerlen can be admired from 14 November 2023 to 10 March 2024 in the SCHUNCK Museum.