Exhibition: “Through the Eyes of The Girl with a Pearl Earring”
Experience this unique exhibition and the powerful stories behind the gigantic artwork, running until October 15th 2024 at the Municipality of Amsterdam, Amstel 1. During the opening on the 12th, we were honoured by the presence of Ms. Dewi van de Weerd Ambassador for International Cultural Cooperation, The Consul-General of Türkiye in Amsterdam, Mr. Burak Ersoy, The Consul-General of Türkiye in Rotterdam Ms. Sevgi Kısacık, The Consul-General of Türkiye in Deventer Mr. Hakan Cengiz.
This art therapy project, born in Kahramanmaraş after the devastating earthquake, brought together over 110 women who found healing through creative expression. Inspired by Vermeer’s masterpiece, these women crafted an incredible embroidered artwork, sharing their stories, tears, and hope.
Join us in celebrating this shared cultural heritage as we mark 100 years of friendship between the Netherlands and Türkiye.
More Information:
The exhibition The Girl with a Pearl Earring is the culmination of an art therapy project developed in Kahramanmaraş following the devastating earthquake. The project, aimed at promoting emotional recovery through creative expression, was designed specifically for women, who are often disproportionately affected by disasters.
A Gender-Responsive Approach
This initiative takes a gender-responsive approach—it is a project by women, for women, and through women. It recognizes the unique emotional and social challenges they face in disaster situations, offering them a platform to express their resilience and strength through art.
Inspiration from Vermeer
The year 2023 marked the “Year of Vermeer” in the Netherlands. When this project was introduced to our local partner in Kahramanmaraş, the women there were deeply inspired by the life and works of this Golden Age master. They were particularly drawn to Vermeer’s famous painting Girl with a Pearl Earring.
Silent Witness and Oral History
As these women embarked on their artistic journey, they felt a deep connection with the silent, enigmatic figure in Vermeer’s painting. Over 110 women came together to create a massive embroidered artwork that captures the emotional depth and resilience of their collective experience. While working, they shared stories, shed tears, laughed, and even sang together.
One evening at Down+1 Container Street, one of the women poignantly remarked, “If only the girl in the painting had a tongue, she would tell so much of what she has heard and seen.” Her words resonated deeply, inspiring us to preserve their personal stories. We documented their experiences, turning them into an Oral History to accompany this magnificent piece of handicraft.
A Shared Cultural Heritage
These women have created more than just a piece of art—they’ ve woven a shared cultural heritage. As we celebrate 100 years of friendship between the Netherlands and Türkiye, these women have, quite literally, “stitched” a new chapter of friendship that will inspire future generations.
We would also like to acknowledge our work in both Down Container Street and the Expo Camp, where more than 6,000 displaced people continue to live. The Tulip Educational and Recreational Centre has played a key role in facilitating these art therapy sessions and other community-building activities.
A special thanks to the Dutch Embassy for funding this project and for their active involvement, which went beyond financial support. We are also grateful to Deputy Mayor Ms. Meliani and her team for making this exhibition possible.
Download the stories of the women affected by the earthquake!
