amaryllis switch – what if bacteria will construct a new habitat of our plastic waste
ronald van der meijs
19 January 2025 - 1 March 2025
Opening: Ronald van der Meijs’ solo exhibition opens on Sunday, January 19, 2025, at 4:00 PM at Bradwolff Projects in Amsterdam East. The opening will be introduced by art historian and writer Sanneke Huisman.
Special Event: Sound Performance, Saturday, February 22, 4:00 PM.
Experience a unique sound performance where sound and installation merge. The rhythm of plastic and nature tells the story of our planet’s fragility and transformation. Featuring electronically manipulated sounds from the plastic in the installation, combined with specially composed soundscapes, a sonic metaphor for the ecosystem of bacteria and algae on oceanic plastic emerges. The rhythmic breathing of the installation shifts and transforms into new structures. The performance lasts 30 minutes. A cushion is recommended for comfort.
Note: Limited spots available. To rsvp, please contact info@burobradwolff.nl
Press release
Van der Meijs installation, “Amaryllis Switch – What if bacteria could construct a new habitat from our plastic waste”, poetically explores how microorganisms might transform plastic waste into a new ecosystem. Inspired by the groundbreaking work of Prof. Dr. Linda Amaral-Zettler (NIOZ, Texel), the exhibition delves into the plastisphere – the ecosystem of biofilms that form on microplastics in the ocean.
Within the plastisphere, bacteria, algae, and diatoms create a biofilm on concentrated plastic waste, resulting in an unexpected ‘life’ emerging from pollution. Van der Meijs brings this scientific discovery to life by merging nature, technology, and our impact on the planet into a visual and auditory experience. The installation pulses slowly, creating a soundscape, with the growth cycle of an Amaryllis Wax bulb guiding the ‘life’ of the work. This bulb acts as a biological rhythm, directing the development of the installation throughout the exhibition.
The outcome is a dynamic, living ecosystem that continually evolves, shaped by interventions that transform the space. Visitors are invited to reflect on the delicate balance between consumption, pollution, and regeneration. “Amaryllis Switch..” raises the question: What happens when nature restructures our plastic legacy and brings it to life?
Throughout the exhibition, various interventions and a sound performance will take place, causing the installation to evolve continuously. The exhibition will run until 1 March 2025. Ronald van der Meijs will be present at various times throughout the exhibition.
Curator: Christine van den Bergh