The magic of collecting
In the latest exhibition at the Drents Museum, Microkosm – The World in a Wunderkammer, classical Wunderkammer objects, contemporary curiosities and visual art come together. Designed by NorthernLight, the exhibition reimagines the Wunderkammer for a new generation, not by replicating the past but by abstracting its essence. The result is an immersive environment where objects take centre stage. Inspired by the iconic shapes and intricate details of the collection, visitors are invited into a world that shifts from micro to macro, transforming the four historical Wunderkammer themes of artificialia, naturalia, exotica and scientifica into bold and contemporary spatial experiences.
A Wunderkammer reimagined
The four worlds are positioned at the heart of the exhibition, surrounded by showcases that highlight the collectors behind the collections. The objects remain the focus throughout. The scenography is derived from their iconic shapes and immerses visitors in abstract, scaled-up interpretations, moving from micro to macro. This approach creates a contemporary setting for the four Wunderkammer worlds, each with its own atmosphere brought to life through graphic forms sculptural decor using a variety of materials and bold colours such as coral red and mother-of-pearl lilac. Whilst the font is also reflecting the macro idea in its eclectic appearance. The scenography magnifies the beauty, strangeness and curiosity of the objects, all drawn from unique private and institutional collections around the globe. These unexpected combinations offer a new lens through which to experience the art of collecting, not as a passive display but as a rich and layered microcosm of human fascination. Microkosm invites visitors to wander through this carefully curated chaos and to discover the stories that lie within. The scenography not only supports the objects, it speaks their language.
A special farewell
Microkosm is the farewell exhibition of the museum’s general director, Harry Tupan, who has pulled out all the stops for this grand Wunderkammer showcase. It presents objects from the Drents Museum’s own collection, loans from various institutions, as well as a wide variety of pieces from private collections. Specially for this exhibition, well-known collectors with whom Tupan shares a close connection offer a glimpse into their own personal cabinets of curiosities. Among those contributing to the project are tattoo artist Henk Schiffmacher, explorer Redmond O’Hanlon, writer and actor Ramsey Nasr and biologist Midas Dekkers.
It has been a pleasure to contribute to this special exhibition and to bring this world of wonder to life. Our thanks go to the team at the Drents Museum for the inspiring collaboration, to Mudware and De Haan creatief timmerwerk for the production, 50LUX for lighting, graphic design and visuals in collaboration with Ontwerphaven. Photos by Drents Museum, Sake Elzinga.
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