Het Speelhuis 2.0
The Speelhuis (Playhouse)
Centuries ago the Nassaus lived in Breda, they defined our history with their fighting spirit and love for the city. Together they built a playhouse (speelhuis) which they used for entertainment and hunting. Now Krijn de Koning built a new playhouse, in honor of the old one, with the goal of connecting today's residents of Breda with the history of their city.
Blocks
The Playhouse 2.0, called Blocks, consists of a collection of rooms that appear to be suspended in scaffolding; it is themed around play, something Krijn says you only encounter in high-level culture. The work is made specifically for the environment where it stands and the experience on site. The blocks that make up the house appear in several of the artist's works, these offer the visitor space to manipulate and play with the art.
The original Playhouse, built in the 17th century, contained as many as 88 stained glass windows. In their honor, four are being made for Krijns Playhouse. The black lines set by Tom Heerschop, which make up the drawing, are the basis of the final window. This base tells the story of the playhouse and of the Nassaus.
Frameworks
Tom then colored the windows together with visitors to Stedelijk Museum Breda. Connection, ownership and inclusion are central to the stained glass windows; anyone can help. Young or old, artist or amateur. A contribution was made by everyone, making the quality at its highest, according to Tom.
The authoritative work comes from Krijn, his playhouse is the basis of SPEEL! and Tom complements it. He brings an additional piece of history. Their similarities lie in play and the freedom to experiment - and the will to make something cool out of it.
Krijn and Tom's works were on exhibit from Aug. 18 to Oct. 1, 2023 during SPEEL!.