Foam — Attraction in Amsterdam

Certainly worth the visit; FOAM's exhibition policy focuses on highlights and mostly well-established artists. This means that regardless of when you step inside, there's bound to be something on view that you like. The setting is evidently nice ('grachtenpanden'), albeit a little chaotic (nearby Huis Marseille does a better job in this regard) and even with moderate footfall, the place feels crowded, making it difficult to enjoy some of the works on display. One serious point of criticism: in photography, the print is often quite central and as such, essential. Apparently, FOAM feels differently about this and regards it as a necessary evil and as little as possible attention should be given to it. In the present Paul Huf exhibition, I found myself wondering whether I was looking at modern reproductions of contemporary originals. No help from FOAM; we're left to guess at it. Too bad, and FOAM, consider your own responsibility: if you continue to marginalize the printer, sooner or later there will be none left to convey the artist's vision. Inclusivity should extend to the (literal) makers of the work, and that starts with acknowledging they exist(ed) in the first place. At the very least, be transparent on what we're looking at (media-wise), and then hopefully one day, we'll also get insight into who was involved. As of yet, FOAM is moving in the opposite direction by leaving out any mention of print type, apparently acting on the assumption that it doesn't matter. It DOES matter though, and I bet you...

Foam Fotografiemuseum Amsterdam, commonly known as Foam, is a renowned photography museum located in Amsterdam, Netherlands. It is dedicated to showcasing contemporary and historical photography, featuring works from emerging talents as well as established photographers.

Key Highlights:

Exhibitions: Foam organizes diverse exhibitions, ranging from solo exhibitions of iconic photographers to thematic group exhibitions that explore contemporary issues through the lens of photography.

Emerging Talent: The museum is known for its commitment to nurturing young photographers. Its Foam Talent Program identifies and supports emerging artists from around the world.

Publications: Foam also publishes the Foam Magazine, an internationally acclaimed photography magazine that delves deep into photographic art and culture.

Workshops and Events: Foam hosts educational workshops, artist talks, and events aimed at engaging both professionals and the general public.

Location and Atmosphere: Situated along the Keizersgracht canal, Foam offers a blend of historical architecture and modern design, providing a unique and inspiring space for visitors.

Foam is a hub for photography enthusiasts, fostering creativity and pushing the boundaries of visual...

The current exhibition at Foam Museum by Vietnamese artist Hiền Hoàng, Garden of Entanglement, left a powerful impression on me. One of the most striking pieces was Scent from Heaven, which explores how agarwood, a tree revered for its heavenly scent, only releases that fragrance once it has been wounded. It’s a poetic and moving metaphor for how trauma can transform into something sacred — and how healing, paradoxically, renders the tree “useless” in the eyes of commercial value.

The immersive installations were particularly thought-provoking. In one, Hiền wraps herself in rice paper to challenge how Asian cultures are often misrepresented and misunderstood by Western countries. This was part of her Asia Bistro – Made in Rice project, which confronts cultural stereotypes with vulnerability, creativity, and sharp commentary.

Her multidisciplinary approach — combining video, photography, sculpture, and performance — is both rigorous and emotionally resonant. Themes of migration, memory, ecology, and identity are woven throughout her work, making this exhibition one of the most memorable cultural experiences I’ve had...