National Gallery shows the world’s oldest profession
Edward Kienholz and Nancy Redin, ‘The Hoerengracht (detail)’, 1984-8. Private collection © Kienholz Estate, courtesy of L.A. Louver, Venice CA
The Guardian reports that London’s National Gallery will be showing the work Hoerengracht, by Ed and Nancy Kienholz, in November next year. The walk-in installation recreates, in meticulous detail, the “whores’ canal” of Amsterdam’s (in)famous red light district.
This highly polemical tableau explores a theme that has been investigated by artists over many centuries and echoes visual traditions well established within European art. It will cast light on the gallery’s 17th-century Dutch paintings, many of which depict prostitutes and brothels, including works by Jan Steen and De Gelder.
The Hoerengracht from 1983-1988 (detail) by Ed and Nancy Kienholz (left) and A Man offering an Oyster to a Woman (1660-5) by Jan Steen (right). In the 17th century oysters (traditionally a symbol of lust) were thought to be an aphrodisiac and the man’s offer can be interpreted as a sexual advance. There are several discarded oyster shells scattered around the woman’s chair, perhaps an allusion to her occupation as a prostitute.
The gallery is also planning to make a film in Amsterdam’s red-light district. The district is being cleaned up, and artists are starting to establish studios there. Nonetheless, the National Gallery has been offered a police escort while it films.
Read more on the website of the National Gallery
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