My Secret Garden & Rock Strangers

The Kunsthal in Rotterdam proudly hosted Arne Quinze's first exhibition in the Netherlands: My Secret Garden. His first large-scale indoor project consisted of a wooden labyrinth that pushed the visitors towards participation, stimulating them to reflect on their inner selves. Light and music intensified the experience. The electronic music duo Vive la Fête produced specific tones and soundscapes for the exhibition.Simultaneously, in the Belgian coastal town Ostend, his permanent installation Rock Strangers was put into place. A sentiment of estrangement is generated by the monumental sculptures, due to their size and electric orange color, while they also evoke curiosity and astonishment. This installation intends to stimulate openness and bring different views and groups in society to the forefront.Quinze invited author Saskia de Coster for a unique project. In an encounter between two artists, de Coster immersed herself in Quinze's work. She created a totally new work of fiction—which is included in the books—as well as a documentary for each project. The aim was multidirectional: not only to use Quinze's work as a door to cover new artistic territories, but also to let the new words and images influence and bring to life the spatial installations.The documentaries, which are also included in the boxed book set, include various in-depth interviews and fascinating images of the making of these bold endeavors. The viewer gets a front-row look at the working process of both artists and will gain an intense experience of the works of art themselves.