Katja Sokolova

Aliens in Leidsche Rijn

a first hand experience in second hand art

What are 5 ambitious young intellectuals from different parts of the world doing together in a new Vinex neighborhood in the Utrecht area of Holland? Answer: making an art show. After 8 months of discussions, doubts and fights, the baby is there: "Master Humphrey's Clock"- the final project of De Appel's Curatorial programme. But don't mention the art: Kompromat is interested in the cooks, not in the broth.

The Paper Dome in Leidsche Rijn looks like a UFO just landed in the middle of the field. - This is where the opening of "Master Humphrey's Clock"- the final project of De Appel's Curatorial Programme 07/08- takes place. Andrei Tchernikov

Met: De Appel, Ann Demeester

The first person we meet on our way is Yulia Aksenova- one of the lucky 5 Curatorial Programme participants. - The Russians are greeting each other passionately. Yulia: Armani sunglasses, silver top from the local 2nd hand shop. Dima Ryba: looks cool, brands unknown.- KS Andrei Tchernikov

Met: D.Ryba,

All the young curators seem extremely busy. - Sarah Farrar is showing the visitors around.

Jesse Birch is walking around with boxes. - Is this some sort of a performance?

Yulia Aksenova is preparing the free drink tickets for distribution. - Rumour has it, before she decided to waste her life on curating art, Yulia had done the Retail Commerce Academy in Moscow. Anyway, we'd better stay close to her for the rest of the afternoon.

The aliens are gathering inside their spacecraft. - Time for the opening speech!

De Appel director Ann Demeester looks like a pop star when she's on stage. - I wonder where SHE buys her clothes... Some secret vintage shop in her home town Brugge, I guess. Andrei Tchernikov

Met: Ann Demeester

However, Ann can also look quite humble and serious. - Especially when she is inspired by a famous art critic Sven Lutticken. Sven was very upset that his name was written without the "Umlaut" in the exhibition catalogue. Sorry, Sven, I could find the Umlaut on my new MacBook keyboard either. Will do better next time!-KS

Met: Ann Demeester, Sven Lütticken

Only the secret agent can't sit still. She keeps wondering what was in those boxes. - Secret electronic devices that help the 5 alien curators communicate with the center? More food? Some presents for the locals?-KS

Met:

It's time to drive further, towards the heart and soul of the exhibition- the local 2nd hand shop. -

Met: marjolein Schaap

I'm not sure these guys need the shop's services: they look absolutely perfect already. -

Other people strongly feel, Emmaus second hand shop in Leidsche Rijn is the right place to update their image. -

The exhibition visitors are queueing in front of the shop's counter. - Andrei Tchernikov

Met: De Appel

Even the secret agent Sokolova has found something for herself. - Although the local population looks at her choice with a slight disapproval.

Met: Katja Sokolova

Back to the fields, we notice that some visitors have become one with the environment. - Artist Kathrin Schlegel Artist Kathrin Schlegel looks like a proud farm owner. Would she exchange her spacious studio in Amsterdam Bijlmer for this building?

Met:

For Mediamatic director Willem Velthoven, it's just a nice day out with his family. - However, his both sons seem to have had enough of conceptual art for today.-KS Andrei Tchernikov

Met: Willem Velthoven, Goos V.

Kompromat has spotted another group of VIPs relaxing in the sun. - Who the f*ck are you? Why are you taking pictures of us?-KS Andrei Tchernikov

Met: Gabriel Lester

After some explanations, the secret agent finally gets a handshake. - A cold handshake of a truly famous artist, who doesn't stand up for a girl and always keeps his sunglasses on. I thought this is what they call bad manners...

Met: Gabriel Lester,

Time to leave... -

Oh, wait! Sh*t! We forgot one box!! -