Wat is een vaas?

An Everyday Object?

There are millions of vases in the Netherlands, and we all know what a vase is. Or do we? At Special Arts, we are constantly surprised by the way creators and artists with disabilities view the world, their surroundings, and everyday life. That’s why we invite them to explore the question What is a vase? through their own imagination and logic. What makes something a vase? Can a vase also be a memory, a story, or a feeling?

Different Answers

The various answers take shape in objects that are often recognizable as vases—and sometimes not at all. A team of guest curators will select works from the submissions, which will be on display during Dutch Design Week. All vases will be featured in Special Arts’ online showcase. In this way, we create space for a different perspective on (Dutch) design.

Take Another Look

Each selected work is accompanied by a quote from the artist. This way, you’ll discover not only what you see, but also how the artist views it. What Is a Vase? shows what can emerge when we make room for different ways of thinking and creating. After seeing this exhibition, you might look at the phenomenon of the vase in a whole new light.