Bijlmer
This project aims to capture the rich multifaceted history of the Bijlmer region of Amsterdam, spanning from its origins in the 12th century to the present, through a series of hand-painted works.
The first phase focused on key moments of change in the 12th, 13th, and 18th centuries, exploring the lives of pivotal figures such as Harman, Gijsbrecht III, and Cornelio. Their stories were contextualized through historical research, primarily drawing from Knights in the Bijlmer (Ridders in de Bijlmer) by Evert van Voskuilen and Netty Droog. This phase culminated in an exhibition at CBK Zuidoost.
The next phase could examine the past 60 years, starting with architect Siegfried Nassuth’s work. Input from local residents will enrich this exploration, offering a contemporary, community-driven perspective.
This project was supported by the AFK (Amsterdam Fund for the Arts) and CBK Zuidoost.
Harman - 1118
In the year 1118 the serf farmer Harman lived on the Utrecht Heuvelrug with his wife Alijt and their three children. The number of residents there grew so strongly that there was a shortage of good agricultural land. The family was forced to seek their future elsewhere.
Wolfger van Amstel, a servant of the bishop of Utrecht, made them an attractive offer. They were offered to mine a demarcated piece of peat at the Bijlmermeer. Forced also by a prolonged drought, the family travelled to the uninhabited area, this along with other farm families. A journey of 45 kilometers on foot.
They reached a wilderness of muddy peat as far as the eye could see. By digging ditches to enable dewatering, the peat was made
suitable for fields and meadows. Heavy and dangerous work. The area was difficult to access and you could sink into the peat and drown. Many reasons to work in groups and support each other. Alijt and the children participated in the hard labor.The disadvantage of dewatering was that the peat came to lie lower than the river, and dikes had to be built. The ditches of nine hundred years ago are still visible in some places.
Harman received ownership of the cultivated land. He could leave it to his children through inheritance law. Like the other farmers, he was no longer a serf but more or less a free man. He did have to pay rent to the bishop. It had been worth all efforts.
Gijsbrecht III van Amstel - 1235
In 1235 Gijsbrecht III was a powerful man. He owned many lands, fiefs and had rights around the Bijlmermeer, the Naardermeer and the Ankeveense plassen. His knighthood and marriage with a daughter from the noble Van Cuijk family showed the increased social status of the entire Van Amstel family.
It all had happened fast. In a hundred years his unfree family of servants had ascended to hereditary stewards with prominent positions in the Episcopal militia. Since 1231 every male Van Amstel has assumed the title of 'Lord van Amstel'.
The Lords conducted stewardship on behalf of the bishop and arranged the cultivation. They also practiced power politics for the sake of their own gain and claimed territories. Including the Reigersbos.
This repeatedly put them in conflict with the bishop. Sometimes even
resulting in battle. Even if they were corrected, they were allowed to continue managing the fiefs and lands.
The Reigersbos (Forest of Herons) was an interesting possession for several reasons. The forest at a relatively higher ground offered potential for good exploitation, but was rather soggy. A heron colony was thus an excellent soil indicator. After all, herons nestle in tall trees and they need solid ground.
Herons were seen as a delicacy in the Middle Ages. Falcons were used for the capture of these birds. An expensive form of hunting that was reserved for the nobility. The fact that the Van Amstels allowed themselves falconry indicates their high level of prosperity. By inviting nobles and persons with prestige they used the falconry to increase their status.
Cornelio van laer - 1714
When Cornelio van Laer worked as a trading merchant at the beginning of the 18th century, Amsterdam was 'hot'. He lived in the center at the Herengracht, near the Spiegelstraat.
At that time Amsterdam was crowded. Due to the availability of jobs, the number of inhabitants continued to grow, but the city area did not expand. The canals smelled bad, they were used as sewers and dumping ground for waste.
Cornelio preferred to be in the city and loved the liveliness. Occasionally, however, he was invited to the country houses of his prosperous fellow citizens. These houses provided relaxation, space and ability to maintain social contacts.
In 1702 Cornelio himself became the owner of a country house in the Bijlmermeer area. A majestic mansion called Driemond. In 1714 he had the gardens expanded and decorated. He was only too happy to show his prosperity. With the flourishing of the economy, a need arose in the Calvinist Holland to show off.
His trade contacts and friends often came to stay. In summer, visits were made to residents of neighboring country houses to strengthen mutual ties.
There was a good connection with the city. Occasionally he picked up his longboat, the Drymontsloep, to experience the hustle and bustle of Amsterdam.
Maps
Each phase of the research begins with hand-drawn maps of the area.
1118 harman
1235 Gijsbrecht III van Amstel
1714 Cornelio van Laer
1962 Siegfried Nassuth
1970
1992
2017
Exhibition
My work was part of the group exhibition Ode to the Bijlmer, organized by CBK Zuidoost. In this exhibition, 11 artists reflected on the history of the most famous new-build neighborhood in the Netherlands. My work was created during my residency at BijlmAIR (Bijlmer Artist-in-Residence), the residency program of CBK Zuidoost.
