David Bade

You make art together. That is the motto of artist David Bade (Curaçao, 1970). He is known for his humor, sharp commentary, and social commitment. And for his innovative way of collaborating. He is a pioneer in this field. The exhibition brings together, for the first time, a comprehensive selection of his colorful social projects.

Centered around is the recent project We OK!, in which Bade creates art with young people from Breda and seven emerging artists. Will you play, draw, or dream along too?

Breaking through and connecting

David Bade is a sculptor, painter, draftsman, and installation artist. His work is colorful, associative, and full of symbolism. For nearly thirty years, he has been breaking the boundaries of the established art world. He prefers to work outside of it, where different people meet daily. In neighborhoods and communities, but also within the healthcare sector and the business world, he sparks imagination and creativity.

In 2006, together with Tirzo Martha, he even founded a center for contemporary art in Curaçao: the Instituto Buena Bista (IBB), an art program for young talent.

Three neighborhoods in Breda

Over the past two years, young people from the Breda neighborhoods of Haagse Beemden, Hoge Vucht, and Heuvel took the lead. Their process and results are made visible in the exhibition. Together with Bade and seven emerging artists (Floor Snels, Daan van Bommel, Bas Steens, Bobbi Cleij, Jan Janssens, and Stijn Ros & Jesse Paauwe), the young people created art centered around the themes of playing, believing, giving, enjoying, and resisting. They gave meaning to these themes. Anything could be used to create something new: from a car wreck to a second-hand cabinet.

The participating young people are part of Grote Broer Grote Zus (GBGZ). The young people (aged 14 to 23) make a positive contribution to the quality of life in their neighborhood. Most young people are far removed from art and museums – We OK! is changing that.

Join!

In the exhibition, there is so much to see and experience, but you can also participate. For example, challenge someone to a game of chess, finish the GBGZ movie, or crawl into bed and share your most beautiful dreams. Will you join in?

Activity Program We OK! 

The project and exhibition were created in collaboration with David Bade, Grote Broer Grote Zus, Stichting KOP and seven young artists: Floor Snels, Daan van Bommel, Bas Steens, Bobbi Cleij, Jan Janssens and Stijn Ros & Jesse Paauwe.

With thanks to:

© Beeld: David Bade, WE OK, 2023 Acrylverf op doek, 100 x 120 cm Collectie Stedelijk Museum Schiedam. Foto - Tom Haartsen

© Foto's: Linsey Kuijpers