Queer History Month / Queer History Month
Visible and Invisible
A queer look at ancient portraits
What do we show to the world and what do we keep hidden?
During this evening we will discuss identity, visibility and representation, taking as our starting point the archer pieces and portraits from All Alkmaar, the city collection of Stedelijk Museum Alkmaar.
Historical portraits show not who someone “really” was, but how someone wanted to be seen, or had to be seen. This tension between public faces and private identities is still relevant today, especially for people and communities that are not naturally visible or safely represented.
Together with Queer Alkmaar and Safe Space Alkmaar, we explore questions such as: who is seen in museums, who is not, and who actually determines how we are portrayed? In a safe and open setting, this evening invites to watch, listen and share, with room for different experiences and perspectives
After a brief introduction by curator Tristan Schiff, participants will engage in small group discussions among the historical portraits. At different tables, themes such as public and private, identity and experience, and museums and representation will take center stage. Switching tables will create new conversations and encounters
Practical information
Participation costs €8.50 per person, including one drink. For those on a smaller budget, we have reserved some spots so that anyone who wants to can participate. Reserve a spot below and pay at the box office upon entering the museum.
The program is in English
Time: from 5 p.m. to 6:45 p.m.
Englisch
Seen and Unseen: A Queer Look at Old Portraits
What do we show the world, and what do we keep hidden?
During this evening, we will come together to explore questions of identity, visibility, and representation, starting from the civic guard paintings and portraits in Allemaal Alkmaar, the city collection of Stedelijk Museum Alkmaar.
Historical portraits do not show who someone “really” was, but how they wanted to be seen, or how they had to be seen. This tension between public faces and private identities remains highly relevant today, especially for people and communities who are not automatically visible or safely represented.
Together with Queer Alkmaar and Safe Space Alkmaar, we will explore questions such as: who is seen in museums, who is not, and who decides how we are represented? In a safe and open setting, this evening invites participants to look, listen, and share, with room for different experiences and perspectives.
After a short introduction by curator Tristan Schiff (he/him), participants will engage in small-group conversations among the historical portraits. Each table focuses on a specific theme, such as public versus private, identity and lived experience, and museums and representation. By rotating between tables, new conversations and encounters naturally emerge.
The evening ends with an informal drink in the museum café.
Practical information
Participation costs €8.50 per person, including one drink. A number of places are reserved for people with a smaller budget, so that everyone who wishes to attend can take part.