FONTANA AMSTERDAM
CONTEMPORARY CERAMICS COLLECTIVE II
Galerie Fontana Amsterdam is pleased to present Contemporary Ceramics Collective II, its second exhibition devoted to contemporary ceramic practice. The exhibition brings together works by Carolein Smit, Babs Haenen, Asya Marakulina, Feipel & Bechameil, Étienne Pottier, Inez de Brauw, Esmee van Zeeventer, and Boris van Berkum.
Contemporary Ceramics Collective II explores ceramics as a timeless yet intuitive form of craftsmanship. The participating artists approach the medium with a shared freedom from strict historical conventions, reactivating traditional techniques through distinctly contemporary perspectives. Their works merge refined detailing with elements of humour, satire, and occasional violence, while animalistic and ecological references surface throughout the exhibition.
Formally accomplished and conceptually charged, the exhibition balances baroque excess with geometric clarity and surreal organic structures. From expressive sculptural forms to meticulously constructed compositions, the works reflect a mastery of material that resonates strongly with the current zeitgeist. Together, these artists offer a contemporary re-reading of ceramic art—one that challenges orthodox definitions while reaffirming the medium’s enduring relevance.
Saturday 28 February 2026 - Saturday 25 April 2026
For an overview of the available works click HERE
FONTANA AMSTERDAM
OPENING HOURS
Wednesday - Saturday
13.00 - 18.00
For an appointment outside opening hours:
+31 (0)20 22 3 88 33
FONTANA BRUSSELS
Making Nature II
Solo Exhibition Ruud Van Empel
Galerie Fontana is pleased to present Making Nature II, the first solo exhibition by Dutch conceptual photographer Ruud van Empel (b.1958) at Galerie Fontana Brussels.
Through meticulously constructed photographic assemblages, Van Empel explores questions of authorship and realism, demonstrating a profound mastery of ecological space through both digital and analogue manipulation. His practice reflects on humanity’s control over the natural world, unfolding as a labor-intensive process in which concept and photomontage converge to create a distinctive form of natu-realism.
This exhibition offers an overview of Van Empel’s work from recent years and includes his latest series, Glance (2025), alongside new works from the Voyage Pittoresque series (2025).
Van Empel is a purist in his approach to photomontage: his method of layering and combining images deliberately avoids morphing techniques. Instead, he applies subtle manipulations to his subjects, resulting in a powerful psychological impact. His works reveal an extraordinary imagination and an exceptional attention to detail. Beyond their technical refinement, the intensity and richness of color further heighten the visual and emotional experience of his compositions.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Having studied at the Sint Joost Academy of Visual Arts in Breda and graduated with honours in 1981, the artist has been experimenting with creating photographic arrangements, grouping together photos and images in innovative ways. An early career in graphic design as well as designing for theater productions and television has informed his approach to photography, which is greatly focused on technology’s influence on the modern world.
He is the recipient of many awards, including the St. Joost Prize (1981), Charlotte Köhlerprize (1993), H.N. Werkmanprize (2001) and Municipality of Breda Oeuvre-prize (2013). Ruud van Empel has had works appear in museums, galleries, and collections throughout the Netherlands and abroad, including Sir Elton John Photography Collection, London, Arne Zimmerman Collection, the Rijksmuseum Collection, Amsterdam, the Museum Voorlinden Collection, Wassenaar, the Joods Historisch Museum Collection, Amsterdam, among others.
Thursday 22 January - Saturday 18 April 2026
For an overview of the available works click HERE
FONTANA BRUSSELS
OPENING HOURS
Thursday - Saturday
11.00 - 18.00
For an appointment outside opening hours:
+31 (0)20 22 3 88 33