A windmill built in 1668 is hosting one of the most culturally layered exhibitions to pass through this royal Dutch city, as Filipino and international artists present “All Shapes of Spring” at Galerie in de Molen in Wassenaar — a municipality known as the residence of King Willem-Alexander.
The exhibition, organized by the Filipino-International Artists Guild Europe (FIAGE) under the leadership of Chelony Lelieveld-Mercado, draws participants from eight countries: the Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, Spain, Germany, Canada, Malaysia, and the Philippines. Thirty artists are represented in the show, ranging from established painters and sculptors to youth contributors as young as 11.
The gallery’s connection to Filipino art has its roots in an earlier encounter. Dutch journalist Tom Rietveld is credited with first spotting the work of Lelieveld-Mercado, which led to her becoming the first Filipino artist to exhibit at the historic windmill venue. That solo appearance paved the way for the broader collective showcase now on display.
Among the works drawing attention is Lelieveld-Mercado’s own painting “Sunkissed of Spring,” which features actress Althea Vega as its subject and positions her between a Dutch windmill and a Filipino nipa hut — a visual dialogue between two cultures. The exhibition also features University of the Philippines Diliman alumni Jes Evangelista, known for his “Spontaneous Strokes” technique, and Michael Velasco, whose gold-toned Klimt-influenced work “Hibas ng Tagsibol” has drawn notice for its layered detail.
Milan-based Ma. Ronabee Pinquihan and Vica Bon drew from Ifugao landscapes, while Ian Maigan rendered his signature imagery of suns and trees through pointillism. Anton Quisimbing, working across sculpture and painting, presented pieces on jute fabric. Aurea Calanog from Belgium contributed the work “Maiden.”
A separate thread within the exhibition is the “La Mode en Moi” project — a fine art and fashion initiative founded by Lelieveld-Mercado — featuring hand-painted garments and artworks by Andrei Solmirano and Jovy Medalle.
Among the participating German-based artists are Dorie Reyes Polo, Carmela Geisert, and Edna Babao Ullmann, all of whom have faced serious health challenges including cancer and comatose states. Their participation was described as an expression of what organizers called “positive-minded” perspectives on life and recovery.
Philippine Ambassador J. Eduardo Malaya led the ribbon-cutting at the opening ceremony alongside the featured artists. In his remarks, he said art “transcends borders and languages, carrying stories of heritage, memory, and hope.” Gallery director Otto Altman welcomed the group on behalf of the venue.
Youth participants Liam Lardizabal (15), Rafie Lelieveld (12), and Ryan Christopher Leonardo Ampon (11) are also part of the show.
The exhibition runs through May 17, with this weekend marking its final days. The complete roster of participating artists includes Brando Bati, Day Pajarillo, Art Lozano, Chelony Mercado, Mhaj Den Ouden, Vica Bon, Tere Bati, Carmie Perez, Andrei Solmirano, Jes Evangelista, Anton Quisimbing, Edna Babao, Michael Velasco, Ian Maigan, Candys Bati, Aurea Calanog, Myse Salonga, Tei Leonardo-Ampon, Maita Acevedo, Carmela Geisert, Liam Lardizabal, Bong Canuel, Kath Beredo, Jindra Lardizabal, Ma. Ronabee Pinquihan, RC Ampon, Rafie Lelieveld, Malou Orozco Suaverdez, Jovy Medalle, and Dorie Reyes Polo.
