From water to land
Jan van Scorel, Pé Okx and the changing landscape
October 10, 2026 to February 28, 2027
What influence do you as a human being have on the landscape around you? Can you change it, and if so: how? These are questions that undoubtedly went through the mind of sixteenth-century Renaissance artist Jan van Scorel (1495-1562). Questions that feel surprisingly topical again today.
It was precisely from this line of thought that the versatile artist developed a surprising and ambitious plan for the embankment of the Zijpe in the last phase of his life. This former wetland had been under water at high tide for centuries, making life there uncertain and vulnerable. With his imagination, Van Scorel designed a visionary plan to make this landscape livable. The original design, normally kept in the National Archives, is the starting point of this special exhibition on the struggle against water.
From the impressive, historic design of Van Scorel you will discover how artists have been contributing with imagination to the transformation of water to land for centuries. The exhibition invites you to look differently at landscape, water and human actions, and to think about their influence on your own living environment: today and in the future.
In addition to impressive historical works, including artworks, designs and monumental maps, you will be introduced to the work of contemporary artist Pé Okx. He takes you into the landscape of today. Imagination is also central to his work: he looks at nature with a poetic eye and transforms it into image and form. In dialogue with the historical ideas of Van Scorel emerges a contemporary reflection on landscape and change.
During your visit, you will take a journey from past to present. An immersive digital experience lets you experience imaginative contributions to shaping landscape. This digital experience forms a bridge between the historical work of Jan van Scorel and the contemporary work of Pé Okx. The project is being developed by technology partner Hypersolid, in collaboration with high school students, who contribute ideas about the form, stories and experience of this digital world.
Practical information
The exhibition will be on view from Oct. 10, 2026, through Feb. 28, 2027, at Stedelijk Museum Alkmaar.
This exhibition is made possible thanks to the support of:
