Exhibition The lightness of being

LOCK THE DATE – On February 26th you are warmly welcome at OpenArtExchange, Hoogstraat 85 in Schiedam to join the opening of our new group exhibition “The Lightness of Being” with paintings by Sam Ovraiti (Nigeria), mixed media works by Nubi (Nigeria/Benin/Senegal) and Patrick Musombwa (France/DR Congo) and abstract stone sculptures by Nely Koetsier (Schiedam). For more info see

The exhibition will be opened at 15:00h by the Schiedam historian, writer and journalist Han van der Horst, followed by a fusion of acoustic blues, jazz and rock music by the Schiedam guitarist, singer and composer Vincent Janse. Afterwards you can see the exhibition and meet some of the artists whilst enjoying a snack and a drink. For latecomers there will be a second music session around 17:00h. “The Lightness of Being” can be still be visited until April 9, except March 9-13 due to our participation in the international art fair Lille ArtUp! in France.

About The Lightness of Being

In the wake of more than 2 years of COVID, the world is marked by uncertainties and existential worries for many. Against this dark background, “The lightness of being” emphasizes the lightness of existence, reflecting the essence of beauty within reach, returning to the core of being, nurturing the moment of happiness. A reappraisal of the simple life away from political conflict, economic misery or the endless need for consumerism and growth and the ensuing environmental disasters. Instead, a return to the warmth of loved ones, the rediscovery of the feeling of belonging, the beauty of nature, enjoying the small gestures of everyday life, the sun on your face.

A return to experimenting with the beauty of shapes, colors and light, rich textures and intuitive painting styles. Art without much story, for the joy of beauty itself, to lift people out of their daily lives. Just as the French Impressionists painted their most beautiful paintings full of light and happiness against the background of one of the most violent periods in 19th century Paris. Or as Milan Kundera’s heroes in “The unbearable lightness of being” eventually find their way back to the essence of love and rural life, against the background of the bloody repression of the Prague Spring Movement in the late 1960s. Albeit this time without the unbearable side of it.

This results in abstract oil and acrylic paintings by Ovraiti with influences from Picasso in rich textures full of color nuances and light about daily social interaction, semi-abstract figurative 3D collages in earthy color shades by Nubi about daily scenes, more abstract expressionist collages about human happiness by Patrick. Musombwa (DR Congo/France) and abstract stone sculptures by Nely Koetsier (Schiedam), whose varied smooth organic shapes tempt to feel with a smile.

About Vincent Janse

Guitarist, singer and songwriter Vincent Janse studied Jazz at the conservatory at Codarts/Rotterdam, did masterclasses with great Blues names such as Scott Henderson, Kenny Werner, Peter Tiehuis and Henk Sprenger and toured Europe for years with his rock-blues band Vinnie’s vice. During Corona time Vincent Janse rediscovered acoustic music and also plays intimate sessions as a solo musician in which he brings a fusion of blues, jazz, pop and rock. In addition, through his Vinnie’s gittar school, Janse is a valued guitar coach and organizer of Blues masterclasses and events.