Out & About in Amsterdam (with a Caribbean twist)

Out & About in Amsterdam (with a Caribbean twist)

This autumn, the Van Gogh Museum presents Gauguin & Laval in Martinique. From 5 October 2018 to 13 January 2019, the museum is organizing the first ever exhibition devoted to a significant, but up until now neglected period in the artistic career of Paul Gauguin: the four months he spent on the island of Martinique in 1887, together with his friend and fellow artist Charles Laval. In this French colony, located in the Caribbean, the two artists sought new inspiration away from Paris – a city that they believed had become too modern and depraved.

The colorful artworks that they created on the island proved to have a huge impact on their artistic development. A significant number of this series of works is exhibited together for the first time in this exhibition.

The Van Gogh Museum collection features several pivotal works by Laval and Gauguin from their time in Martinique. The foundations of this collection were laid by Vincent van Gogh and his brother Theo. As early as 1887, they were amongst the first to admire Gauguin’s work from Martinique, and acquired several pieces.
In this exhibition the Martinican contemporary artist Jean-François Boclé, who lives and works in Paris, will present an installation. In Caribbean Hurricane, he reflects on the presentation and offers an alternative perspective on Martinique.

For an Artsy weekend in Amsterdam, try checking out The Conservatorium.

The Conservatorium Hotel Amsterdam offers 129 luxurious guest suites spread throughout 8 floors. They proudly tout that,” Each guest suite includes complementary guest features, such as, wireless internet, a private bar, a daily newspaper, 24hr room service and an extravagant designer bathroom that features a flat-screen mirror TV. As it would be expected from a 5 star hotel wi-fi is free. This opulent package of amenities is unlike anything you have experienced before, it inhibits the true essence of extravagance for the pleasure-seeking modern hedonist.” We think it’s worth checking out.

After taking in the exhibit and strolling the canals of Amsterdam, a spa day may be just what you need, to contemplate and absorb all you’ve taken in. The Akasha Holistic Wellbeing Center is one of the most exquisite features within the hotel. It offers guests separate gym and spa facilities for ideal balance, mindfulness and inner harmony are the goals here. The Earth lounge generates organic foods and juices for total body cleansing and replenishment. The water spa space encompasses soothing sounds, music and aromatherapy with quality Watsupool Hydro Treatment, which can be enjoyed whilst soaking in the pool. The Fire gym offers classes that include pilates, yoga and tai chi, giving those who partake, complete freedom to create their own fitness plan for overall health and well-being during their stay at the Conservatorium.

We like the coupling of this hotel with the Gauguin & Laval in Martinique exhibition at the Van Gogh Museum. If you’ve ever been to Amsterdam, you know the tourist staples. Next time, or for your first visit, try to take in some other aspects of the city while you are out and about. Exhibit is on through January 13, 2019.

www.vangoghmuseum.nl

www.conservatoriumhotelamsterdam.com