Artist Jeroen Hermkens is pleased with the discussion that has erupted around his paintings of naked Beemster ladies in Purmerend’s town hall. This week, the municipality of Purmerend wanted to remove some works after complaints were received, but that decision was quickly reversed after a hail of criticism. In his own words, Hermkens has recently seen that many artists apply self-censorship and finds this a worrying matter: “We should not play panic football at the first response,” he says.
Bare breasts linger in Purmerend – NH News
Hermkens didn’t sleep last night. Since yesterday his phone has been ringing red and his social media is full of messages of support. He is mainly called by journalists who want to hear his story “I suddenly had to choose whether I went to Beau or to OP1.”
Last night at 02:00 he was only home and early in the morning he is called again by various media. “I actually didn’t sleep,” he says. But according to him, it is also a sign that the discussion is necessary. “I did not expect this”
Watch the video here to see why this discussion is sorely needed right now, according to Hermkens
Artist happy with the discussion about nudity in town hall – NH News
Hermkens put fourteen women from the Beemster on the canvas, in which the pureness of the Beemster and the natural beauty of women are central. Only two official complaints and several reports to employees of the municipality of Purmerend were needed to censor a number of works by Jeroen Hermkens.
This decision received so many indignant reactions from the city council that it unanimously decided ‘within one day’ to leave the ‘offensive’ works hanging. Hermkens is happy that his works are allowed to linger, but he is especially pleased with the discussion that has erupted.
The paintings have been hanging in the town hall for almost a year and can now hang until 7 December.
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