the Abject & the Box
KATE Artspace, Oude Haagseweg 51 Amsterdam

The exhibition focused on the formative years in which the foundations for our development are laid: the stage of life in which we learn what is and is not considered acceptable.

The central theme of this collaboration and group show was the Abject: the rejected or repulsive. Everything we discard alongside the object/subject and would rather not show, or do not even consider relevant.

Looking back, the Abject & the Box explored the contradictions of growing up in a world full of suffering. The exhibition space was arranged as a toddler playroom. For example, there was a circle of chairs around a defeated-looking life-size teddy bear, beneath a tree that appeared to be on the verge of falling. The tree trunk had three inserted shapes: a blue square, a red circle and a yellow triangle; shapes that children typically use to develop their motor skills.


Works were hung on child eye height. Chaos and trauma were expressed through the form of colouring pages. The dress-up corner became a cabinet full of latex masks next to a plaster jacket, covered in pins and memorabilia, referencing the term “candy chest”; soldiers medals. Shit paintings raised questions about toilet training. Passport photos turning around on a red-lit carousel. Silver champagne coolers filled with intestines.


Alongside these, there was the opportunity for the viewer to reconnect with the child within them: an interactive 'peep box' invited visitors to create objects from a large jute sack full of abject materials and add them to the installation.

The exhibition reflected on the promise of growth, strength and development, while simultaneously questioning where that promise leads. Perhaps 'growing up strong' meant eventually becoming a soldier, sacrificing oneself in a world full of war and misery. What began as a language of childhood and infinite possibilities ended in the disturbing prospect of a future with no possibility of escape...

Reflection by Elle 16.10.2026


Participating artists
Inka Hilsenbek - @aufschreibesysteem3000
Joey Monopoly - @joey_monopoly
Edgar Fulton - @edgarthe3rd
Mike Moonen - @blod_heinie
Rebecca Treur - @rebeccatreur
Riëtte Wanders - @riettewanders
Elle van Baaren - @ellevanbaaren
Max Onink - @max_onink

Curation
STUDIO MAX & ELLE - @studio_max_and_elle

Projectspace
KATE Artspace - @kate.artspace

Photos
Thomas Lenden - @thomaslenden


Initiated by Elle van Baaren & Max Onink