Making the Most of Maastricht with Astrid Bonnier
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TEFAF MAASTRICHT has long distinguished itself as the unrivalled destination art fair. This year TEFAF implemented a more transparent selection procedure, which has resulted in a number of new dealers being invited to take part in the fair. Of the 279 exhibitMaking the Most of Maastricht with Astrid Bonnier
TEFAF MAASTRICHT has long distinguished itself as the unrivalled destination art fair. This year TEFAF implemented a more transparent selection procedure, which has resulted in a number of new dealers being invited to take part in the fair. Of the 279 exhibitors taking part in TEFAF Maastricht 2019, 40 are new.With an infusion of new vendors, the revitalized TEFAF becomes even more appealing to private collectors, museum curators, patrons, art market professionals and art lovers from all over the world. In just a day (or a week), art buyers have a chance to take a broad survey of what’s available on the market, in effect doing a year’s shopping in a short span of time. TEFAF Maastricht 2019 takes place at the MECC (Maastricht Exhibition & Conference Center), March 16-24.To get some insights into the fair and the town that is hosting it, BLOUIN ARTINFO spoke with Astrid Bonnier, the senior manager of Cultural and Commercial Events for the Bonnefantenmuseum, home to a Contemporary fine art collection and currently showing work by David Lynch, in Maastricht.How long have you been living in Maastricht and what do you like best about it?I’ve been working in the Bonnefantenmuseum for 18 years and have lived in and near the city. During my youth, I lived here for a couple of years, so it felt like home when I returned years later. Maastricht is a charming, compact, historic town, situated on the borders of The Netherlands, Belgium and Germany. Its location in Europe, its historic charm and its setting on the banks of the river Meuse give Maastricht a more cosmopolitan feel than any other Dutch city. I enjoy the relaxed pace: it’s a town for those who love wandering around without a full agenda, so you can bump into friends and have a drink.How has the art scene evolved in the past few years in Maastricht?The art scene is flourishing and there is a very positive synergy between the various art institutes and artists. Together they undertake many cooperations on cultural initiatives and multidisciplinary projects. Besides the Bonnefantenmusuem, there is a lot going on at the Art Academy, the post-academic institute Van Eyck Academy and at cultural institutes like Marres and Bureau Europa.There are various urban developments taking shape at the Sphinx area in the Boschstraatkwartier, steadily establishing it as a trendy art hub. The former military base Tapijnkazerne is being transformed into an educational campus and cultural hotspot. The area is being integrated into the adjoining city park for more green- and leisure space. The area is being connected with the city center, furthering the unique mix of culture, education, shopping and living.What do you find the most exciting in TEFAF this year?It’s a prestigious fair of exceptional grandeur. The quality, diversity and breadth of artworks and jewellery on display are outstanding and the sections of Modern and Contemporary art have been growing for a few years now.Personally I am very much looking forward to see the works by Rosemarie Trockel, Marcel Duchamp and others. The atmosphere at TEFAF is further enhanced by the buzz that is going on in town during these two weeks. There is a ‘thrilling’ and excited vibe in the city as hoteliers, shopkeepers and restaurateurs all embrace TEFAF and its visitors to the fullest.Because of the fair, almost all restaurants and event spaces will host special parties. We will organize the annual Bonnefanten TEFAF Welcome Party. Having initiated the event over a decade ago, I have been striving to develop the event so it remains ‘fresh’ and relevant.I sincerely believe in these kind of initiatives, VIP events, latenight openings of galleries, public events at collector’s houses and at artist studios, to support the fair. Art connects people. If you are travelling all the way to Maastricht, you want the spend your time wisely, yet to the fullest. It does not matter greatly whether you work and live in a sprawling metropole or in a compact town; the effort required to achieve the outcome you envisage can be similar.There are many talented people all around and ‘real-world’ budgets can greatly stimulate creativity— no matter where you are.Sound, sustainable development takes effort and time and personally I always plan projects as part of a longer-term perspective. Being in Maastricht provides me with the privilege of witnessing — firsthand— the joy people experience from art preserved from the past, strengthens my resolve to contribute to the present-day cultural development and its preservation for the future.Do you have a favorite Maastricht artist, whom you think more people should know about?I grew up next to Rob & Marijke Stultiens whose work can be found around the city. In the museum we work with a wide range of talented artists; personally, I am very fond of the mystical, dreamy, colourful paintings by Keetje Mans and of the ceramic sculptures by Han van Wetering.What is your favorite time of the year to enjoy Maastricht and why?October to April is a very vibrant period because of all the cultural events and festivals like Musica Sacra, The Dutch Dance Festival, TEFAF Maastricht and the Museum Night. Maastricht is definitely also a place to drink a glass of rose or a local beer on one of the many terraces, such as Lumiere Cinema Restaurant Cafe, a great spot where you can find me with friends on lazy Sunday afternoons.What are the places/venues in Maastricht that you would recommend all visitors to not miss, even if they are coming for a short trip?There are quite a few areas which are absolutely worth visiting. One should bear in mind that it’s a compact and safe city. If you take your trainers you can walk along most the entire city center in a day.The river Meuse runs right through the city center and will help you find your way; similarly, you can wander around the old historic cobblestone streets, discovering what surprises the many boutiques and restaurateurs have in store for you. Some area’s not to miss are:1. Wyck – Ceramique: Historic streets with boutiques and restaurants meet landmark buildings by star-architects; make sure to include a visit of the Bonnefantenmuseum.2. Inner City: Light a candle at the Basilica of Our Lady on the Onze Lieve Vrouwenplein, walk along the small cobbled streets, including Jekerkwartier, take the steps up the city wall and take in the views of the park and the river Meuse. Enjoy the historic sights and lively bars at the Vrijthof square.3. St. Pietersberg: For a stunning view of the city and the valley, have a drink at cafe Bergrust and if you have more time book a guided tour of the North caves to visit the ‘vault’: the secret space where “The Nightwatch” by Rembrandt was hidden during the Second World War.Is there a local cuisine? What are the best restaurants serving local cuisine?Maastricht is widely recognized as a prime culinary hotspot in The Netherlands. Of course, many grand cafe’s serve food, either inside or outside, on Maastricht’s renowned ‘terraces’. Notably, Maastricht has a wide variety of premium- and top-class restaurants, so there should be no reason to feel hungry at any time!Local specialities include:‘Zoervleis’, a meat stew and ‘Kaw schotel’ are typical local treats which my mother-in-law prepared in a delicious way. Also, ‘Knien in ‘t zoer’ is a long-time favorite of the locals. If you want to taste ‘Maastricht’ you should head to Cafe Sjiek where they also serve ‘beef Verjans’. More trendy and upmarket is restaurant Sofa, along the river Meuse to the south. My two sons love the streetfood version “Frietsje zoervleis” at Friture Reitz on the Markt.There are many local specialities including typical Maastricht vlaai from Bekkerij Hermans, which you can also order at our museumcafe Ipanema. There also local craft drinks: wines from The Apostelhoeve, beer from Gulpener and Brand, ‘Dreum vaan Mestreech’ (Dream of Maastricht) tea, available at Blanche Dael or Coffeelovers, mustards, marmelades or chutneys at Adriaan de Smaakmaker.What are the ideal spots to see live music?In Cafe Forum you can listen to soul tunes and jazz sessions, Theatre aan het Vrijthof is the foremost theatre to enjoy classical concerts, dance performances, comedy, opera or musials. If you are into pop music and dancing try the Muziekgieterij.What are the best streets to hang out at to get an idea of the city’s night life?Wycker Brugstraat, Lumiere Cinema, and of course all the cafes on the beautiful squares such as Onze Lieve Vrouweplein and Vrijthof.Who, among present-day writers, do you think describes Maastricht best in his/her works?I personally feel connected to Frans Bude, who is a poet and who gets inspired by the city and by artists and exhibitions at our museum, including Johan Tahon and Elizabeth Peyton. Writer Wiel Kusters succeeds in ‘making local global’ and gave the 19th- / 20thcentury local artist Pierre Kemp an intriguing monumental status. Unfortunately, their work is barely available in English.All booklovers should head to Dominicanen. Housed in a former church it is is one of the most remarkable bookstores in the world.Any local activity that one must participate in to get the feel like a local?Carnival, in Maastricht it’s the best in the Netherlands, originally a catholic festivity where everybody is dressed up, dances, drinks and makes music. Celebrations take three days, at least.Where would you advise visitors to go shopping?If you like hip and local stores, stroll around in Wyck, buy delicious chocolates at Friandises and sweets at Patisserie Royal. Leon Martens is a beautiful store for fine jewelry and watches. Fashion addicts should try the Stokstraatkwartier and drop into Kiki Niesten.What museums or galleries you would recommend one must definitely visit in the city, even if short on time?Of course, the Bonnefantenmuseum, especially if you are a fine arts or architecture lover. Aldo Rossi designed this magnificent building nearly 25 years ago.Every day I enjoy walking up and down the majestic stairs. At the moment all floors are filled with marvelous exhibitions: a retrospective of over 500 paintings, lamps and drawings by the legendary artist and film director David Lynch. We also have a unique exhibition on the Master of Elsloo, the result of ongoing large-scale research into this enigmatic artist. There is still a lot of mysteryaround the identity of this medieval woodcarver. And there is more: an exhibition on Dan Walsh and an exhibition to honor Ine Schroder, a remarkable female artist who was a major inspiration for many local artists.For those travelling with children I would suggest visiting the Natural History Museum, which is tucked away in the beautiful Jekerkwartier. It’s quite small but it’s like a cabinet of curiosities for for insects, animals, birds, shells and stones. At the moment they have are showing huge pictures of insects by Levon Biss in Microsculpture.If you have time to rent a car, then travel to Wylre Estate, located in the hills of Zuid-Limburg. They are transforming Hedge House, the exhibition area, into a wall, floor and ceiling painting in three colors (red, white and black) by Peter Struycken and the pictures look overwhelming.Any walking trail you would recommend visitors to check out?Wyck – Ceramique : Walk along the cobbled stone streets and discover the stores of local and international brands. If you get hungry, stop by one of the many restaurants and cafes located in the area. See above!Where would you recommend people stay when they visit?Locals barely stay in a hotel in their hometown and I only did so once on my wedding day, 15 years ago, at Crowne Plaza where we had a beautiful suite with a wonderful view over the river and old city. If you like luxury, design and contemporary styling you should definitely consider the Kruisherenhotel, which is part of the Oostwegel Collection. It used to be a monastery and church and has been transformed with great love and respect for the building’s orginal features. If you like to meet other people and are looking for a cozy, bohemian hotel, Townhouse is a great option. They have a lovely lounge where homemade soup is waiting for you. The Student Hotel opened a year ago and will have a great roof terrace later this year.https://www.blouinartinfo.com/ Founder: Louise Blouin Read more