Repetition is a Form of Change
Sophie Rowley
19 September – 20 October 2024

Looiersgracht 60 is pleased to present Repetition is a Form of Change, the first major solo show of German-New Zealand artist Sophie Rowley (MA Material Futures, Central Saint Martins, London). Building on the idea of repetition as a forward movement by Søren Kierkegaard, the artist configures repetition as a form of change. Rowley uncovers and explores materials through methods of deconstruction, connection, and layering. These gestures and repetitive motions become metaphysical inquiries into the nature of creation. How do internal perceptions manifest in tangible form? What happens through the process of repetition?

along the exact same lines it had been created - under and over

Unravelling, until you reach one million threads

Repetition as a movement forward

Each detachment a rebirth

Each deconstruction a process of creation

– Excerpt from a featured poem by Sophie Rowley

Repetition is a Form of Change showcases a compelling body of work created over the past two years. This includes two site-specific installations crafted during Rowley’s residency at Looiersgracht 60, alongside limited-edition works on display in the temporary bookshop. Reflecting on her journey from a fundamentalist community at the age of 16 and the subsequent deconstruction of her faith, Rowley’s works call into question entrenched structures and narratives across themes of identity, gender, power, and society.

The exhibition blends intricate textile installations and sculptures that balance destruction and creation, repurposing discarded materials into complex works rooted in technical intricacy and narrative depth. At the entrance, a site-specific installation crafted during her residency cascades from ceiling to floor, illuminated by natural light. On view in Looiersgracht 60’s ground floor are Rowley’s largest two-dimensional works, where she meticulously disentangles rigid canvases into delicate, evocative artworks. In the main gallery space, a sculpture on a plinth embodies a corporeal presence through its layered form, while a tangible manifestation of repetition unfolds through another site-specific installation. Fine strings and wooden posts are woven into a web through choreographed movements by the artist, exploring the intimate interplay between motion, embodiment, and materiality. The basement houses bolder independent works, while displayed materials from Rowley’s creative process offer a glimpse into the development of her techniques.

Repetition is a Form of Change redefines the boundaries between the material and the discursive, carefully weaving the artist’s past and visions for the future. As visitors traverse the space, they are invited to engage with the artworks from multiple vantage points, experiencing the subtle shifts in perception of the objects and the repetitive methods used. By emphasising repetition as more than a visual motif but as an embodied process, she leans toward its transformative capacity to unsettle established ways of seeing, doing, and being.

The exhibition is curated by Soraya Notoadikusumo and Nadine Snijders, founders of Looiersgracht 60. The show opens on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, and is interwoven with a public programme. Preceding the exhibition, Sophie Rowley will participate in the Public Research Residency Program at Looiersgracht 60

Public Research Residency
Before the exhibition, Sophie Rowley will participate in the third edition of the Public Research Residency Program at Looiersgracht 60. For four weeks in August, the artist will use the space to develop and expand her existing body of work titled “Repetition is a Form of Change.” This includes the creation of two site-specific installations, alongside other new works that will be displayed in the exhibition’s temporary bookshop. During this period, Looiersgracht 60 will also organise two public events where the artist will share her creative process before the exhibition.

Public Programme
As part of the exhibition’s public programme, Looiersgracht 60 will organise two public events on September 21 and October 20, 2024. From September 19 to 22, Looiersgracht 60 will participate in Amsterdam’s GLUE festival. For three days, the festival will present a design route that connects participants to the local creative scene. For more information about the GLUE festival, visit https://www.glue.amsterdam/

Public Event I September 21, 16:00
Live Sound Performance with Rami Abi Rafi
Experience a unique live presentation of a sound piece created through the collaboration of visual artist Sophie Rowley and DJ and sound artist Rami Abi Rafi. The sound piece delves into the nuances of repetitive movements inherent in Sophie’s artistic process and features live sounds, field recordings, and spoken word elements that capture the rhythmic nature of her work.The sound performance begins at 16:00 on September 21, 2024, and is followed by a 45-minute listening and viewing session by Mathilde Neuville. The programme is free of charge, but space is limited, so please reserve a spot by emailing info@looiersgracht60.org.

Public Event II October 20, 17:00
Discussion with Prof. Francesca Raimondi and Closing Drinks
The finissage will include a lecture by Francesca Raimondi, professor of philosophy at Free University Berlin, based both in Berlin and Amsterdam. In her talk, she will connect her research to the exhibition’s themes, exploring concepts of repetition, deconstruction, reproduction, and feminist art in dialogue with the artist and her creative process. The public programme begins at 17:00 on October 20, 2024, followed by a Q&A session and concluding with drinks. Admission is free, but space is limited. To reserve a seat, please email info@looiersgracht60.org.