Louise te Poele was in 2024 curator of a show with Dutch female artists in the Saatchi Gallery in London:
STANDING ON THE SHOULDERS OF GIANTS: A celebration of Dutch Female Artists 8 March – 12 May
SAATCHI GALLERY SPOTLIGHTS CONTEMPORARY DUTCH FEMALE ARTISTS • From 8 March, Saatchi Gallery will celebrate the work of 10 contemporary Dutch female artists whose practices range from painting to sculpture, textiles, and photography
Artists: Janine van Oene, Iriée Zamblé, Krystel Geerts, Simone Albers, Wieteke Heldens, Maria Roosen, Anne von Freyburg, Lisa Šebestíková, Anya Janssen, Louise te Poele (links of artists related to Art Gallery O-68)
Coinciding with International Women’s Day, the exhibition aims to reshape the narrative for the current and future generations of women artists • Featuring a project which is an extension of Saar de Swart’s chess piece set, (collection Rijksmuseum Amsterdam) with five contemporary interpretations acting as a robust response to historical underrepresentation.
Saatchi Gallery, in collaboration with artist-curator Louise te Poele, is proud to present Standing on the Shoulders of Giants: A Celebration of Dutch Female Artists. When thinking of the Dutch Masters, why do only male artists come to mind? Addressing the persistent gender imbalance in the art world, this exhibition highlights the underrepresentation of contemporary Dutch female artists. It aims to provide a platform for experienced creators and emerging talents – fostering collaboration and solidarity among women in the arts. Recent statistics reveal that less than 5% of artists in museums are women, a stark reminder of the historical dominance of men in the art world. Standing on the Shoulders of Giants is a symbolic act of elevating Dutch female artists, drawing inspiration from the rich history of artistic giants like Rachel Ruysch and Saar de Swart, but with a clear intent to reshape the narrative for the current and future generations of women artists. Saatchi Gallery, a globally recognised authority in contemporary art, is the perfect platform for this exhibition.
Since 1985, the gallery has presented emerging artists, contributing significantly to their recognition worldwide. Its continued commitment to supporting largely unseen and underrepresented artists aligns seamlessly with the mission of this exhibition. Louise te Poele, this project’s curator and artistic director, stands at the forefront of this transformative initiative. Reflecting on her unique position as a Dutch female artist in London, she is dedicated to extending visibility to herself and her fellow female artists. The curated selection spans experienced creators and emerging talents, ensuring a diverse representation of visual narratives on an international stage. Te Poele emphasises, “Your mind is as flexible as you allow it to be. This exhibition is a feast for thought, showcasing multiple dialogues and perspectives on our worldview. Embrace this openness and let your mind be nourished by the diverse insights presented here.” Gallery 1 features a sculpture project as an extension of Saar de Swart’s chess piece set, (collection Rijksmuseum Amsterdam), as a symbolic representation of the void in the history of women artists. Five contemporary interpretations of key chess pieces crafted by Dutch female artists are a robust response to historical underrepresentation. Gallery 2 delves into the autonomous work of contemporary female-identifying artists, presenting a diverse selection at different points in their careers. The artworks create a continuous dialogue between the self, each other, and the world, echoing the desire of female artists to be seen and heard.
Exhibition Partners: Saatchi Gallery, SMAG Foundation (artistic director Louise te Poele and business director Lotte Rosier) and The Dutch Embassy make this collaborative effort possible. Louise te Poele is curating the exhibition in collaboration with Saatchi Gallery. The Dutch Embassy of the United Kingdom has offered invaluable support in realising the show’s production. In addition to our primary partners, we thank the Mondriaan Fund, Stichting Voor Vrouwen Door Vrouwen and other funding partners for their invaluable support.
Dates and Opening Hours Open to the public: 8 March – 12 May 10 AM – 6 PM (last admission 5.30 PM)
www.saatchigallery.com Saatchi Gallery, Duke of York’s HQ, King’s Rd, Chelsea, London SW3 4RY press@saatchigallery.com I +44 (0) 20 7811 3091
In 2024 Louise had 4 exhibitions with O-68
KunstRAI amsterdam, Volta Basel, UNSEEN and Art the Hague
In September 2023 new works for the exhibition Flora Est and the fair UNSEEN 2023
januari 2023 London Art Fair
prices between €500 en €8000, see GalleryViewer
2 september to 13 november 2022 in Rijksmuseum Muiderslot ‘Oester en Citroenen’, hedendaagse stillevens van Louise te Poele. Article in: Noorhollands Dagblad
Werken in groepsexpositie ‘A something in a Summer’s Day’
Works in exhibition together with Anya Janssen and Amos Mulder
We are stardust, we are golden, and we long to return to the garden.
More information about the works at Gallery Viewer
Biography Louise te Poele