THE HOERENGRACHT. KIENHOLZ AT THE NATIONAL GALLERY, LONDON

EDWARD KIENHOLZ (1927-1994)

The Hoerengracht (1984–1988) is an installation artwork by Ed Kienholz and Nancy Reddin Kienholz. This tableau – a surprising sight in the heart of the National Gallery – is a walk-through evocation of Amsterdam\\\\\\\'s redlight district, with mysterious characters, glowing windows and claustrophobic streets. Presenting the viewer with bold statements on morality, vanitas, secret spaces and receding views, The Hoerengracht resonates powerfully with painting by Dutch masters of the seventeenth century represented in the National Gallery Collection.

The exhibition catalogue explains this visual and thematic relationship to Old Master painting, as well as introducing the reader to the Kienholz, an artistic team who have influenced contemporary art world figures such as Mike Kelley, Paul McCarthy and Damien Hirst.

The exhibition Kienholz: The Hoerengracht opens at the National Gallery, London, on 18th November 2009.