The ReFramers present: In Search of an Anchor

Where do you find support in life? It’s a question that preoccupied Vincent van Gogh, and one that many young people still grapple with today. In the exhibition In Search of an Anchor, ReFramers Anna Crok, Kamelia Erich and Bintou Kourouma share their perspective on this question and on Van Gogh’s art.

ReFramer Anna:

‘Sometimes, you seem to look for grounding in the wrong places, or in routines that don’t provide real support.’

The ReFramers explore themes that also played a role in Vincent’s life, such as routines, relationships, faith and making art. For Vincent, these were all ways of giving his life direction.

Van Gogh found grounding in painting itself, in the repeated act of making images. This idea runs throughout the exhibition. ‘Since I’m above all ill at present, I’m trying to do something to console myself…’, wrote Vincent to his brother Theo in 1889.

New work by Rossel Chaslie

Alongside fourteen artworks by Vincent van Gogh, work by illustrator and designer Rossel Chaslie (1998) will also be on display. Chaslie developed new work especially for the exhibition. His drawings relate to daily life in the city and touch on themes including identity, rhythm and uncertainty, thereby creating a direct connection with Van Gogh’s work.

About the ReFramers

The ReFramers are young adult students and professionals who use their expertise to help make the Van Gogh Museum more inclusive. They broaden the museum’s horizons, ask critical questions and find new ways of making Van Gogh’s story relevant for modern audiences.

For this exhibition, the ReFramers selected the works themselves and developed the exhibition design. Through actively involving young adults with the permanent collection and inviting them to curate an exhibition, the museum hopes to better connect with their world.