From water to land

Jan van Scorel & Pé Okx 

October 10, 2026 to February 28, 2027

What influence do humans have on the surrounding landscape? Can you change it, and if so, how? These are questions that undoubtedly crossed the mind of the sixteenth-century Renaissance artist Jan van Scorel (1495–1562). In the exhibition From water to land discover the influence of humans on the landscape. In the past, today, and in the future.

A visionary design by Jan van Scorel 
In the final stage of his life, the versatile artist Jan van Scorel developed a surprising and ambitious plan for the empoldering of the Zijpe. This former watery area was submerged at high tide for centuries, making life there uncertain and vulnerable. With his imagination, Van Scorel designed a visionary plan to make this landscape habitable. The original design, usually kept in The National Archives, forms the starting point of this special exhibition about imagination and the battle 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.

Sixteenth-century and contemporary art in dialogue 
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.

Spark your imagination!
During your visit, you will take a journey from past to present. A digital experience will stimulate your own imagination. What influence do you have on your own living environment?

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: