Blowup Art Den Hague 2024

It could sound like a fever dream, but these days there is a giant inflatable pot that is floating on the water of The Hague’s city lake, in the Netherlands. The pot is not alone, actually. From this May to the 2nd of June, it recurs one of the most important events headed by the city every year, the BlowUp Art Den Hague, a celebration of inflatable artistry.

This annual event, known for its bold and imaginative approach, showcases the works of international artists and designers who push the boundaries of creativity and spatial perception through the medium of inflatable structures.

The festival, typically held in the summer, draws art enthusiasts, tourists, and local residents, turning the city into a dynamic gallery where art intersects with everyday life.

Large-scale inflatable artworks have been placed on a floating platform in the Hofvijver city lake

BlowUp Art The Hague 2024: Curated by Mary Hessing

The festival's curatorial approach is rooted in the desire to democratize art and make it accessible to everyone. By situating large-scale inflatable artworks in public spaces, the festival challenges the conventional boundaries of the art world, inviting people from all walks of life to engage with art in a casual and unpretentious manner.

This year, the festival's curator, Mary Hessing of WOTH Studio, has selected four Dutch designers whose innovative works promise to captivate and inspire. The selected artists—Studio Job, Marcel Wanders, Studio Mieke Meijer, and Sigrid Calon—each bring their unique aesthetic and conceptual approaches to the festival, creating a rich tapestry of inflatable art.

The Genesis of Inflatable Art

Inflatable art, a relatively recent phenomenon in the history of contemporary art, finds its roots in the radical movements of the 1960s and 1970s. It was during this period that artists began to experiment with unconventional materials and forms, challenging the traditional notions of permanence and stability in art.

Inflatable sculptures, with their ephemeral nature and capacity to engage with space dynamically, emerged as a powerful medium of expression. The lightweight and portable nature of these structures also made them ideal for public art installations, allowing artists to reach a broader audience.

Notable Artists and Designers at BlowUp Art The Hague

The success of BlowUp Art The Hague is largely attributable to the exceptional talents it attracts. Each year, the festival features a diverse lineup of artists and designers, each bringing their unique vision and style to the event. The installations range from whimsical and playful to thought-provoking and contemplative, reflecting the versatility of inflatable art as a medium.

The location is adjacent to the Binnenhof (the Dutch parliamentary complex) enhancing the commitment of art in public life

Studio Job: theatrical and whimsical creations

Studio Job, founded by Job Smeets and Nynke Tynagel, is renowned for its bold and theatrical approach to design. Their work often blends art, design, and craft in unexpected and provocative ways. At BlowUp Art The Hague, Studio Job presents Pan, an inflatable giant golden pot inspired by the traditional Dutch ‘Aardappel Pan’ (Potato Pan). Studio Job’s work is characterized by its meticulous attention to detail and its ability to transform ordinary objects into extraordinary experiences.

The egg-shaped inflatable mirrors by Marcel Wanders

Marcel Wanders: elevating everyday elegance

Marcel Wanders, a leading figure in contemporary design, is celebrated for his ability to infuse everyday objects with a sense of elegance and surprise.

His works often combine traditional craftsmanship with modern materials and techniques, resulting in pieces that are both functional and poetic.

For BlowUp Art The Hague, Wanders introduces a series of egg-shaped inflatables with mirrored surfaces that reflect their surroundings.

These installations create a serene, otherworldly garden in the middle of the urban landscape, inviting visitors to pause and reflect.

Airboretum, the inflatable 'trees' by Studio Mieke Meijer

Studio Mieke Meijer: the architectural vision

Studio Mieke Meijer, founded by Mieke Meijer and Roy Letterlé, is known for its innovative approach to materials and structures, often drawing inspiration from architectural and industrial forms. Their installation at BlowUp Art The Hague consists in tree-shaped structures both monumental and airy, highlighting the tension between solidity and fragility. Studio Mieke Meijer’s work explores the boundaries between art and engineering, creating pieces that are both visually striking and conceptually profound.

Studio Mieke Meijer: the architectural vision
Studio Mieke Meijer, founded by Mieke Meijer and Roy Letterlé, is known for its innovative approach to materials and structures, often drawing inspiration from architectural and industrial forms. Their installation at BlowUp Art The Hague consists in tree-shaped structures both monumental and airy, highlighting the tension between solidity and fragility. Studio Mieke Meijer’s work explores the boundaries between art and engineering, creating pieces that are both visually striking and conceptually profound.

Sigrid Calon: Vibrant Geometric Abstractions

Sigrid Calon, an artist and designer known for her vibrant geometric patterns, brings a burst of color and form to BlowUp Art The Hague.

Her installation consists of a large inflatable candy-pink Gazebo which is conceived for dialoguing with the installation surroundings: the structure is in fact inspired by the octagonal tower in the nearby Binnenhof that was originally built in the 14th century as a summer pavilion and which now houses the office of the Dutch prime minister.

Her installations invite viewers to engage with the artwork from multiple perspectives, discovering new patterns and shapes with each glance.

The Importance of the Hofvijver Location

The Hofvijver, a historic pond in the center of The Hague, serves as a stunning backdrop for the BlowUp Art festival. This iconic location, adjacent to the Binnenhof (the Dutch parliamentary complex), adds a layer of historical and cultural significance to the event.

The choice of the Hofvijver as a primary site for the installations is pivotal for historical and symbolic reasons, among others.

The Hofvijver is surrounded by some of The Hague’s most important historical buildings, including the Binnenhof and the Mauritshuis Museum.

This juxtaposition of contemporary inflatable art with historic architecture creates a dialogue between the old and the new, highlighting the evolving nature of the city’s cultural landscape. The presence of avant-garde installations in such a traditional setting underscores the festival's mission to blend innovation with heritage.

Moreover, the tranquil waters of the Hofvijver provide a reflective surface that enhances the visual impact of the inflatable sculptures. The interplay of light, water, and art creates a mesmerizing effect, adding depth and dimension to the installations.

This natural setting allows the inflatables to interact dynamically with their environment, emphasizing the ephemeral and transformative qualities of the art.

The Hofvijver, as a site of political and cultural significance, symbolizes the convergence of different spheres of public life. By situating the festival here, BlowUp Art The Hague underscores the role of art as a unifying force that transcends boundaries and brings people together. It reinforces the idea that art is an integral part of civic life, capable of enriching our everyday experiences.

Furthermore, BlowUp Art The Hague has played a crucial role in advancing the discourse around inflatable art. It provides a platform for artists to experiment with new ideas and technologies, pushing the boundaries of what inflatable art can achieve. The festival's emphasis on innovation and creativity has helped elevate inflatable art to a respected and influential position within the broader art world.

The festival is a testament to the transformative power of art and its ability to engage, inspire, and challenge. Through its celebration of inflatable art, the festival not only brings joy and wonder to the streets of The Hague but also sparks important conversations about the role of art in public spaces and its potential to shape our perceptions of the world.

As the festival continues to grow and evolve, it will undoubtedly remain a beacon of creativity and innovation, inviting us all to imagine and explore the possibilities of inflatable artistry.