Potatoes after Van Gogh
28.06_02.11.2025
140 years ago, Vincent van Gogh painted “The Potato Eaters” in a Brabant village. He considered this 1885 figure painting of a peasant family gathered around a meal, with a platter overflowing with steaming potatoes, his masterpiece. The painting, now hanging in the Van Gogh Museum, is characteristic of his Brabant period in both subject and painting style. This year, it’s a reason to reflect on this remarkable work, both in an (art) historical sense and in relation to the present day, with a look toward the future. Contemporary artists are drawing inspiration from “The Potato Eaters.” Their interpretations are diverse. Some seek out traces of old farm life, reminiscent of Vincent’s time. Others wonder which people Van Gogh would depict if he were alive today—perhaps the migrants working in the strawberry fields and nurseries of Zundert. Some are simply fascinated by the shape of the tuber. The title of the exhibition is taken from the 1977 work PATATE (potato) by Italian sculptor Giuseppe Penone. This ‘art povera’ artist grew potatoes in the shape of parts of his face: eyes, ears, nose and mouth. Penone’s 12-part photo series can be seen at the exhibition in Zundert.
With work by: Giuseppe Penone • Barbara Schroeder • Anna Lange • Nynke Deinema • Pieter Laurens Mol • Anne Geene • Arjan de Nooy • Paul Bogaers • Karin Borghouts • Paul de Jong • Nanne Meulendijks • Noortje de Brouwer • Lotte van Lieshout • Samuel Sarmiento • Sam Maske • Peter Kantelberg • Juliette Karlsson • An Roovers • Ellen Mandemaker.
