(Museum)ParX presents Off The Books | Bibliotheek Rotterdam
In light of the national book week the Central Library of Rotterdam asked us to develop a three-month exhibition that would mobilise and engage new layers of the community to the library. The exhibition ‘Off the books/Buiten het boekje' focused on eight tastemakers from the creative field and their bookcases. Its contents functioned as a mirror that revealed and represented a piece of their personal style and identity. Through the exhibition visitors could discover which books and stories played an important role in the lives of these community leaders. For the opening we programmed an immersive, meditative experience by Bruno Sitton, panel talk moderated by Stephanie Afrifa and an acoustic live set from the Gaidaa.
In our careers and personal journeys, we are exposed to people’s stories that (often unwittingly) guide and help achieve goals and fulfil our purpose. Communication in the form of writing is one of the oldest art forms. Recording, telling and translating stories is what has shaped the intelligence of humankind. A universal shift change and having access to inexhaustible resources, from which we can draw information and inspiration today, has made interdisciplinary thinking the norm.
In our pursuit of knowledge, we occasionally stumble upon gems that spark an inner fire— stories that challenge our thinking and serve as catalysts for new mental connections. Eight creative individuals have shared their book selections, highlighting the profound impact books can have on our minds. A bookcase today is more than just a repository for books and magazines; it has evolved into a reflection of personal style and identity—a curated mirror of who we are. The exhibition Off the Books showcases the bookcases of eight tastemakers from Rotterdam, offering a glimpse into their unique worlds: Elijah Waters, Amber Vineyard, Margreeth Olsthoorn, Max Bijsterbosch, Cathelijne Blok, Elten Kiene, Bruno Sitton and Manuela Goncalves Tavares.
For this exhibition, (Museum)ParX interviews eight creative makers about the books and stories that have profoundly influenced their lives and artistic journeys. The experience comes to life within a specially designed installation by Tim Wes, produced in collaboration with Together & Dedicated.
%20Margreeth%20Olsthoorn.jpeg)
%20Elten%20Kiene.jpeg)
%20Cathelijne%20Blok.jpeg)
%20Bruno%20Sitton.jpeg)
To highlight the stories behind these talented individuals, we teamed up with documentary photographer Stacii Samidin to capture their essence in a series of photos. His images offer a glimpse into their creative worlds, adding a visual dimension to their personal narratives. This collaboration helps bring their stories to life in a simple, authentic way.
%20Amber%20Vineyard.jpeg)
%20Max%20Bijsterbosch.jpeg)
%20Manuela%20Goncalves%20Tavares.jpeg)
%20Elijah%20Waters.jpeg)
On Friday, May 13th 2022, we transformed the library into a hub of inspiration and connection for Book Night, where timeless stories came to life. Guests were invited to experience the library in a whole new light— not just as a home for books, but as a space for discovery, connection, and creativity.
The evening celebrated the opening of the Buiten Het Boekje exhibition with a dynamic program. Highlights included a thought-provoking panel discussion moderated by Stephanie Afrifa, a soulful live performance by GAIDAA, a captivating literary theater performance by Frontaal + Spraakuhloos, and a ceremony led by Bruno Sitton. The night was enhanced by the beats of DJs Feurich and Charmaine, while the evening’s atmosphere was brought together by the host, Jermaine Berkhoudt, the voice of Rotterdam. It was a night filled with art, conversation, and music, creating an unforgettable experience for all who attended.
Connected to a growing family, a community, a world.
Project Year
2022
Production Company
Together & Dedicated
Client
Bibliotheek Rotterdam
Exhibition Curators
André Marques
Tim Wes
Head of Production
André Marques
Creative Director
Tim Wes
Set Design
Tim Wes
Ramstechniek
Artists
Amber Vineyard
Bruno Sitton
Cathelijne Blok
Elijah Waters
Elten Kiene
Manuela Goncalves Tavares
Margreeth Olsthoorn
Max Bijsterbosch
Performing Artists
Gaidaa
Bruno Sitton
Hosts
Stephanie Afrifa
Jermaine Berkhoudt
Moderator / Host
Stephanie Afrifa
Jermaine Berkhoudt
Director of Photography & Editor
Thomas de Boer
Artwork
Smoking Gurb
Photography
Stacii Samidin
Campaign Film:
Director
Tim Wes
Producer
André Marques
Director of Photography
René Huwaë
Gaffer
Erik Houtman
1st AC
Anointing Okah
Starring
Anna Raiola
Denzel Feurich
Seb Koudijzer
Gianni Noten
Demi Aminata Ditzhuyzen
Famita Roobe
Isa Zichterman
Special Thanks
To the entire crew at the Central Library of Rotterdam and the community who showed up for our opening night, participated in the extended program, and supported the exhibition throughout its run.
