Sophie Kugel

“La perruche et la sirène.”   ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ The @StedelijkMuseum Amsterdam is currently showcasing one of Henri Matisse’s most iconic works, “La perruche et la sirène.” This beautiful piece of art, which features a parakeet and a mermaid, has been on display for the past few months and will soon be returning to the museum’s depot.   ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I had the privilege of visiting the exhibition and capturing photos of this stunning work when I was 38 weeks pregnant with my daughter Isabella. I made the matching dress I wore for the occasion myself, inspired by Matisse’s unique process of cutting and arranging coloured paper shapes to create his artwork ✂️📐 In a similar vein, I cut pieces of coloured felt fabric onto a white dress to create this one-of-a-kind garment 🧵🪡 👗 While Matisse used paper to bring his vision to life, I used fabric. It’s truly amazing how an artwork from a different time and place can still inspire us to be creative in our own way.   ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Matisse used the cut-out technique as a way to continue creating art despite his failing health; it was different from his previous techniques of painting and drawing. The cut-out technique allowed him to create works with more fluidity, ease, and freedom. Leaves and pomegranates dominate the image, but on the left we also see ‘la perruche’ (the parakeet) and on the right ‘la sirène’ (the mermaid) after which the work is named. For Matisse, this canvas was like a garden.   ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I have been meaning to share these photos for some time now but simply hadn’t found the time to sort them out. With the artwork’s return to the depot approaching, I finally found the opportunity to show these memories on my Instagram page.   ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Matisse’s “La perruche et la sirène” is a truly remarkable work of art, and it was a privilege to see it in person. I will always have a special connection to this artwork. If you have the chance to visit the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam in the next 3 days, I highly recommend taking advantage of this opportunity to see it for yourself. #stedelijkmuseum

"La perruche et la sirène."   ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ The @StedelijkMuseum Amsterdam is currently showcasing one of Henri Matisse's most iconic works, "La perruche et la sirène." This beautiful piece of art, which features a parakeet and a mermaid, has been on display for the past few months and will soon be returning to the museum's depot.   ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I had the privilege of visiting the exhibition and capturing photos of this stunning work when I was 38 weeks pregnant with my daughter Isabella. I made the matching dress I wore for the occasion myself, inspired by Matisse's unique process of cutting and arranging coloured paper shapes to create his artwork ✂️📐 In a similar vein, I cut pieces of coloured felt fabric onto a white dress to create this one-of-a-kind garment 🧵🪡 👗 While Matisse used paper to bring his vision to life, I used fabric. It's truly amazing how an artwork from a different time and place can still inspire us to be creative in our own way.   ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Matisse used the cut-out technique as a way to continue creating art despite his failing health; it was different from his previous techniques of painting and drawing. The cut-out technique allowed him to create works with more fluidity, ease, and freedom. Leaves and pomegranates dominate the image, but on the left we also see 'la perruche' (the parakeet) and on the right 'la sirène' (the mermaid) after which the work is named. For Matisse, this canvas was like a garden.   ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I have been meaning to share these photos for some time now but simply hadn't found the time to sort them out. With the artwork's return to the depot approaching, I finally found the opportunity to show these memories on my Instagram page.   ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Matisse's "La perruche et la sirène" is a truly remarkable work of art, and it was a privilege to see it in person. I will always have a special connection to this artwork. If you have the chance to visit the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam in the next 7 days, I highly recommend taking advantage of this opportunity to see it for yourself. #MasterpieceMonday

"La perruche et la sirène."   ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ The @StedelijkMuseum Amsterdam is currently showcasing one of Henri Matisse's most iconic works, "La perruche et la sirène." This beautiful piece of art, which features a parakeet and a mermaid, has been on display for the past few months and will soon be returning to the museum's depot.   ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I had the privilege of visiting the exhibition and capturing photos of this stunning work when I was 38 weeks pregnant with my daughter Isabella. I made the matching dress I wore for the occasion myself, inspired by Matisse's unique process of cutting and arranging coloured paper shapes to create his artwork ✂️📐 In a similar vein, I cut pieces of coloured felt fabric onto a white dress to create this one-of-a-kind garment 🧵🪡 👗 While Matisse used paper to bring his vision to life, I used fabric. It's truly amazing how an artwork from a different time and place can still inspire us to be creative in our own way.   ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Matisse used the cut-out technique as a way to continue creating art despite his failing health; it was different from his previous techniques of painting and drawing. The cut-out technique allowed him to create works with more fluidity, ease, and freedom. Leaves and pomegranates dominate the image, but on the left we also see 'la perruche' (the parakeet) and on the right 'la sirène' (the mermaid) after which the work is named. For Matisse, this canvas was like a garden.   ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I have been meaning to share these photos for some time now but simply hadn't found the time to sort them out. With the artwork's return to the depot approaching, I finally found the opportunity to show these memories on my Instagram page.   ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Matisse's "La perruche et la sirène" is a truly remarkable work of art, and it was a privilege to see it in person. I will always have a special connection to this artwork. If you have the chance to visit the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam in the next 7 days, I highly recommend taking advantage of this opportunity to see it for yourself. #masterpiecemonday #stedelijkmuseum

🌄✨ Unfortunately, I started our trip to the Dolomites on a rough note — I foolishly broke my ankle during a hike. It happened in an instant: I slipped, my foot got stuck, and I heard a ‘crack.’ Such a huge disappointment, especially as I was just beginning to feel my strength returning after what seemed like an eternity of pregnancy, haha ;) Honestly, it seems like it’s been one thing after another with my body these last few years, and I’m quite ready to be done with that, thank you very much 😅😇. However, I’m determined to use this downtime wisely. I plan to dive into learning something new online, keeping my spirits up and making the most of this enforced rest.   ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 3 years ago, Rob and I hiked the Alta Via 1, discovering incredible sights like the bronze sculpture by N. Sammartin at the summit of Mount Nuvolau. Offered by Riccardo Dalla Favera to mark his 800th ascent, it bears the inscription ‘Non fatica...ma gioia,’ which translates to ‘Not fatigue...but joy.’ Finding art at such altitude was truly astounding! The sculpture still enjoys a breathtaking view every day, with Mount Averau in the backdrop 🏞️.   ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ We’re here again for a wedding of two close friends, now with two kids and grandma in tow, so here’s a throwback to the adventurous Sophie who climbed peaks. I hope to do it again soon, maybe with my little ones on my back 😉   ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ N. Sammartin is known for his sculptures in nature, and Riccardo Dalla Favera, a dedicated mountaineer, commemorated his 800th climb to Nuvolau with this piece, demonstrating his enduring love for the mountains.   ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀   ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀   ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀   ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀   ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀   ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #Dolomites #MountNuvolau #ArtInNature #HikingAdventures #MountainJoy #Sculpture #HighAltitudeArt

⛰️ 🚀 We are on our way to a wedding in the Dolomites! 🧝🏻‍♀️🤵‍♂️ So exiting. This post is a throwback to our Dolomites-trip four years ago (I have to admit: at the time I was a lot stronger, before the babies ;)). 
As we wandered through the secluded beauty of the Dolomites one day, we stumbled upon an unexpected sight — this contemporary art piece. It was challenging to find the exact creator of this sculpture, but it appears to be ‘Space Days I’ by Fabiano De Martin Topranin. 👩🏻‍🚀 A person in a space suit, made from Atlantic cedar wood. The sudden encounter with this contemporary artwork amidst the serene natural landscape had a surreal effect, making it all the more captivating. This piece merges art with nature and offers a reflection on human exploration and our relationship with the universe. I think it was part of @DolomitiContemporanee , a visual arts lab set in nature, which aims to integrate contemporary art with the stunning landscapes of the Dolomites. Or possibly @smach_art , a public art project that represents the combination of “art and nature”.
  ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀   ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀   ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀   ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀   ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀   ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 🎨 #SpaceDaysI #FabianoDeMartinTopranin #Dolomites #ContemporaryArt #NatureAndArt #UnexpectedArt #SculptureArt #DolomitiContemporanee #publicart #landart @fabianodemartintopranin

🎨 ‘The Other Side of the Moon’ 🌕 (2017) by Matthew Wong (1984-2019)
@VanGoghMuseum 
  ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀   ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ One more post about our visit to the Wong/VanGogh exhibition. In the winter of 2016-17, Matthew Wong had breakthrough in his art, successfully merging his historical inspirations - from Van Gogh to traditional Chinese painting - into a unique, personal style. This painting is one of those first paintings in this style: a fantasy landscape with a vibrant palette of colours. The parallels drawn with Van Gogh are here - they have similar traits yet distinctively different in their essence.
  ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀   ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 🖌️ Expression Through Colour
Wong once confided in a friend, he wrote, “I think my main strengths are colour and brushwork.” Wong’s approach to colour was instinctive; he chose a starting colour and let his subconscious guide the rest, often resulting in a burst of bright, contrasting colours. He also explored monochromatic themes, delving into various tones of a single colour. Wong and Van Gogh both used colour as a tool to transmit specific feelings or emotional states. Through his imaginary landscapes, Wong sought to invoke a sense of yearning and melancholy for places that might never have existed.

  ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀   ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀   ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀   ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ (tekst source: Van Gogh Museum) #MatthewWong #VincentVanGogh #ArtHistory #ContemporaryArt #Expressionism #ColourTheory #ArtExhibition #ArtLovers

Matthew Wong | Vincent van Gogh: Painting as a Last Resort   ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ‘I see myself in him. The impossibility of belonging in this world.’   ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 🖌️ These are words by painter Matthew Wong about Vincent van Gogh. I visited this exhibition with my mother and daughter at the @VanGoghMuseum in Amsterdam. The photos can hardly capture the experience. The artworks of Wong (and Van Gogh, of course) are much more impressive in person, with their vivid textures and dynamic colours that are deeply expressive.   ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Both Van Gogh and Wong took a long time to find their paths in life, eventually discovering solace in painting. They both battled mental health issues and Wong considered painting his ‘last resort’. 
While their stories (though centuries apart) share many similarities, each artist developed a unique, deeply personal style. Unlike Van Gogh, Wong’s talent received considerable recognition during his brief, intense career.
  ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 👚 🍓 On a personal note, the purple strawberry outfit that Isabella wore to the museum was made by her great-grandmother (my grandmother) and was even worn by me when I was little. It’s so special to see her wearing it now.   ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀   ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀   ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀   ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀   ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀   ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #MatthewWong #VincentvanGogh #VanGoghMuseum #Amsterdam

Rob on a mission to make Samuel an art expert 🥰🧐🖼️ Works by @charlotteccaspers & Jan Roeland

@MuseumKranenburgh makes me so happy. Beauty, simplicity, abstraction, and nature, it’s all there. What a delightful place Bergen is.
  ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 1. “In de Rug van de Zee” (In the Back of the Sea - A hundred years of depicting Bergen’s landscape) This exhibition explores the multifaceted relationship between artists and the sea. It fits perfectly with Bergen, an artists’ village near the beach and the sea. Expect a diverse collection of artworks that reflect the dynamic and inspiring influence of the sea on artistic expression. The sea serves as a muse for artists, influencing and inspiring their creative processes. Various mediums, from painting and sculpture to multimedia installations, each piece reflecting the powerful and often unpredictable nature of the sea. My highlight is the work of @CharlotteCaspers ‘ultramarine | citramarine’, 2024, with in the foreground (on the floor) the work of @HermandeVries108 .
  ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Charlotte Caspers connects her love for nature with her expertise in historical materials and painting techniques. In this work, the blue pigments ultramarine and citramarine (azurite) play a leading role. Both have been highly valued since the Middle Ages for their color and worth. As their names suggest, ultramarine comes ‘from the other side of the sea’ and citramarine ‘from this side of the sea’ (Europe) 🌾🌊
  ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 2. Jan Roeland – Painter in Essence. Oh, there is just something about these minimalist and abstract works of Jan Roeland! This exhibition highlights his unique approach to form and color. Roeland is known for his bold use of color blocks and abstract shapes, making ordinary objects extraordinary through his eyes. For me, these works feel like spring and summer.
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Standing before the tapestry ‘Mediterranean Wind’ (2020) now on display at @MuseumKranenburgh in Bergen. Made from wool, silk, cotton, and natural dyes like indigo and walnut, this piece captures nature’s palette.
  ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ @ClaudyJongstra uses natural materials and organic dyes for her art. She keeps her own sheep and grows the plants for her dyes. Her work is about being sustainable and connected to nature. 🌱   ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Here I am, with my daughter who just turned two — it feels like only yesterday she was born. A cliché, I know haha. 
Lately, I’ve been less visible on social media, due to the whirlwind of life’s demands (all good though)
  ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ It’s so lovely to try and spark an interest in art within Isabella (and Samuel soon). Not by aiming for perfection, but as a source of inspiration. This has definitely been a lesson for me as well, particularly regarding perfectionism. I’ve come to realise that perfectionism is futile. It’s about the message, about the process, about… you can decide for yourself ;) Such an open door, I know, but still very true. I hope I don’t sound too airy-fairy, but it feels like I’m starting a new chapter in my life. Or maybe I’m just too busy right now — that could be it too! 🤷🏻‍♀️

Last post about this exhibition, I promise ;) . But I was swept away by Anselm Kiefer’s exhibition at the iconic @PalazzoStrozzi in Florence. Each piece weaves together textures of history and philosophy.   ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀   ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 
Throughout the exhibition, Kiefer’s use of materials like lead, ash, and gold leaf adds depth to themes of decay, transformation, and renewal. Each artwork, monumental in both size and scope, invites viewers to pause and ponder the complex layers of human understanding and our eternal quest for knowledge.
Kiefer’s works are a dialogue with history, challenging us to consider how the past shapes our present and future.   ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ PS. The cover photo was made a few years ago, when I visited Palazzo Strozzi and the façade featured a huge collage by French artist JR, titled “La Ferita” (“The Wound”). This piece visually opened up the building’s façade, revealing the iconic artworks and architectural elements inside. As you moved around, the piece changed, revealing different parts of the interior, prompting a deeper reflection on the accessibility of art and cultural heritage.   ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀   ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀   ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀   ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀   ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀   ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀   ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀   ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀   ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀   ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #AnselmKiefer #FallenAngels #PalazzoStrozzi #FIorence #Firenze #contemporaryart #modernart

“Daphne” (2008-2011) and Ave Maria turris eburnea” (2017) at the “Fallen Angels” exhibition at Palazzo Strozzi by Anselm Kiefer. The portrayal of “Daphne” dives into the mythical story of her transformation into a laurel tree to escape Apollo. Kiefer captures this metamorphosis using his signature raw materials and textures, which reflect themes of nature, change and resilience.   ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 🌿 I found “Daphne” remarkably moving, reminiscent of Iris Le Rütte’s sculpture at the museum Beelden aan Zee - an artwork based on the same story. The recurring motif of a human merging into nature strikes a chord with me, suggesting both vulnerability and an intrinsic strength.   ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀   ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀   ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀   ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀   ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀   ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀   ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀   ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀   ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀   ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #AnselmKiefer #FallenAngels #PalazzoStrozzi #FIorence #Firenze #contemporaryart #modernart #Daphne