Societies seek safety and control by creating order through limits and norms setting boundaries and standards. This need, however, can also be misused to gain power and exclude others. There is a tension between our rich inner world, where everything seems possible, and the limits imposed by the world outside. This can evoke strong emotions, such as shame, anger or alienation.
The artists give space to the experience of these limitations and explore alternative realities. Based on the artworks, scientists from various disciplines engage in dialogue with the artist and the public, creating a multidisciplinary perspective on dealing with norms and limitations. In this way, they explore how a society can be formed, based on equality and inclusivity. The exhibition is part of A Broader Mind, a multidisciplinary educational programme in which students from VU University Amsterdam explore social issues.
The exhibition was co-curated by Sem Bannenberg, who researches how disability in art can lead to greater understanding of non-normative forms within human society. His research touches on topics such as corpoliteracy, queer body theory and embodiment theory.
On Limits (2026)
Exhibition: 18 November 2025 – 1 May 2026
VU ART SCIENCE gallery
Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday 12-18 hrs
Entrance: free
Current information: www.artsciencegallery.nl
