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Galerie Lieve Hemel

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Stepping into Galerie Lieve Hemel is like entering a time capsule. Its journey began in a cozy, low-ceilinged basement on Sint Jorisstraat in December 1968. Koen Nieuwendijk, the gallery’s founder, christened it “Lieve Hemel, stoot je hoofd niet,” a playful warning meaning “Good heavens, mind your head!” Galerie Lieve Hemel quickly outgrew its first home. In 1971, it moved to a larger, though still low-ceilinged, basement on Vijzelgracht, a former canal. For a quarter of a century, this remained its haven for contemporary realism. Galerie Lieve Hemel’s focus evolved over time. Initially, it represented nearly a hundred artists. In the 1980s, it shifted to a select group of predominantly Dutch painters. Sculpture also played a significant role. The 1970s and 80s saw annual “Earthen Realities” exhibitions, celebrating figurative ceramics. Around 1990, the gallery turned its attention to bronzes, inadvertently sparking a revival of contemporary bronze sculpture in the Netherlands. In 1996, two important events took place. Galerie Lieve Hemel made its final move, settling on the prestigious Nieuwe Spiegelstraat, a renowned art and antiques promenade. It also embraced contemporary silver, showcasing exceptional designs transformed into extraordinary silver sculptures. Today, Galerie Lieve Hemel continues to showcase the best of Dutch contemporary realism and silverwork. Names like Theo Voorzaat, Anneke van Brussel, Olav Cleofas van Overbeek, Karel Sirag, Alex de Vrede, Bernard Verkaaik, and Ben Snijders grace its collection. A visit here is more than just viewing art; it’s experiencing a piece of Amsterdam’s vibrant art history.

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