Once in a Lifetime

From 12 May to 28 August, the Oude Kerk hosted 'Once in a Lifetime', an exhibition about life and impermanence. This exhibition was a one-off collaboration between the Oude Kerk and the Humanistisch Verbond. Curator Nina Folkersma selected new and existing work by eight nationally and internationally renowned artists: Daniëlle van Ark (NL, 1974), Michaël Borremans (BE, 1963), Stan Brakhage (US, 1933-2003), Amie Dicke (NL, 1978), Folkert de Jong (NL, 1972), Job Koelewijn (NL, 1962), Muntean & Rosenblum (AT & IS, 1962) and Yehudit Sasportas (IS, 1969).

'Once in a Lifetime' allowed visitors to reflect on the finiteness of life. Dealing with our own mortality is by no means easy; at the same time, awareness of finitude is also a privilege and a source of strength. Precisely because our existence is impermanent, we can give it meaning. What traces do you leave behind? How do you deal with the time you have left? The exhibition consisted of a carefully chosen combination of existing and new works, ranging from paintings, sculptures, and spatial installations to film and video works. As a whole, it offered a range of perspectives and reflections on the mystery of life and death.

The exhibition was accompanied by a public programme. Every Saturday at 11am and 1pm there was a Walking Talk: speakers from different fields of knowledge discussed the questions raised by the artworks. The curator and the artists held an Artist Talk and during the Curriculum Illusione workshop, participants could identify an imaginary end point of their own lives and decide how they would like to fill the rest of their allotted time.