An Artistic Adventure in Amsterdam: Year 13 A Level Art Students Reflect on Their Trip

The Year 13 A Level Art Trip to Amsterdam that took place over half term was an inspiring immersion into Dutch art history and contemporary creativity.

Here are two reflections from students who took part in the trip, sharing their experiences and artistic inspiration from a city brimming with creativity.

Ranging from traditional Rembrandts and swirling Van Goghs to contemporary photography; a snail on a knife and a woman on an ironing board (Blommers & Schumm Mid-Air) – Amsterdam has it all! This art trip was an incredible opportunity to immerse myself in a city full of art: experiencing the historical and traditional in the Rijksmuseum, the new and emerging in small independent galleries, and contemporary curation in the FOAM gallery and the Stedelijk. Full of artistic inspiration after my gallery visits and captivated by the beautiful city, I enjoyed documenting my sights through sketchbook collages, drawings and street photography. It was mesmerising to see such well-known paintings up close – gaining an understanding of their texture, scale and context– and thought provoking to compare the modern and the historic. I left feeling inspired and motivated.

(Scarlett, Year 13)

Armed with our sketchbooks and materials, we got on the Eurostar with high hopes and got off it with one less pot of ink, but an equal level of enthusiasm. The Stedelijk, to my joy, had a Damien Hirst in the reception area, a zebra preserved in formaldehyde looking stoically over the gift cards. The Rijksmuseum, of course, did not fail to disappoint, and added a refreshing contrast to the photography and contemporary work we saw elsewhere, instead offering introspective Vermeers and impressive (and sometimes impressively hideous) furniture from the Baroque to the Art Deco. It was interesting to appreciate the important status of photography in the Netherlands, and one photo I felt myself particularly drawn to was of a snail climbing up the blade of a knife on a bright pink background, making me intrigued and surprised. We even took some of our own photos and learnt how to see mundane street scenes as something wholly new and visually exciting, if you would only consider it through a different lens. And, of course, I can't write the review without mentioning the apple cake I ate, which for 6 euros made me very content, as it was a generous slice with an even more generous helping of cream. On the train back, and leaving the station, I could feel my spirit steeped in art.

(Ceci, Year 13)