Gimme, Gimme, Gimme

Have we become like the Very Hungry Caterpillar? Our distant ancestors accumulated food only to ensure their survival in times of scarcity. Today, we seem compelled to acquire as much stuff and wealth as possible. The system ensures that those who are successful in this grow ever richer, leading to enormous social inequality. As we gain greater insight into the negative impact this has on society and the environment, it becomes clear that we need to change course. Why do we actually want to own so much? And when have we reached the limit?

Could things be different? In the series of exhibitions Gimme, Gimme, Gimme we seek answers to this question through various artworks. What they and their creators have in common is that they make us look at possessions in a different light, perhaps inspiring an alternative approach to life.

How much can a museum preserve?

Museums are becoming increasingly full and seem to have no limits to their collecting. Their holdings continue to expand, but only a fraction of the objects can be exhibited. The vast majority of art treasures and items of cultural heritage are kept in storage and are never seen. How much can a museum actually preserve? And are there alternatives? These are the questions we seek to answer in Gimme, Gimme, Gimme. In part one, we do so with works by Maarten Vanden Eynde, Beatrijs Lauwaert, Jacoba van Heemskerck and Paul and Menno de Nooijer. Part two follows in November 2026 with many new artworks. The series runs until the spring of 2028.

eenZM Open Atelier

On the same floor, you will find eenZM Open Atelier, a place for inspiration and encounters within the framework of eenZM*. Here, together with local residents and other interested parties, we will explore how we can foster meaningful encounters and connections on the Abdijplein (Abbey Square), our public forecourt. Under the banner of eenZM Open Square, we meet once a month to share ideas and to be inspired, involving artists and other creatives in the process to help brainstorm potential activities. Illustrator Betina Van Meter (Bord&Stift) records these gatherings in drawings, which can be viewed in eenZM Open Atelier. As the summer approaches, activities will increasingly shift outdoors and we will begin experimenting in the square.

Exhibition design: Koehorst in ’t Veld.

*eenZM is an initiative of the Zeeuws Museum. In this long-term project supported by the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, we are investigating if and how the museum can play a role in raising awareness about and reducing loneliness.