de zachtheid van een vreemdeling

when: February 5, 2026 - February 28, 2026
where: EXboot

The loneliness that winter can bring was the driving force behind Hazel van Berkel's exhibition "de zachtheid van een vreemdeling". This installation, consisting of dozens of lost gloves, depicts the hidden connection between people in times of withdrawal and isolation. Van Berkel picked up the gloves, as one might hold another's hand in need of help. In this way, the gloves become more than just a lost object, but also a source of support and comfort in difficult times.

In the exhibition, Van Berkel treats the exhibition space as an archive, in which the found gloves are carefully structured, numbered and even ironed into shape.

The EXboot isn't yet the final destination of this comforting collection. Van Berkel invites visitors to the exhibition to choose a glove to collect at the end of the exhibition (at the beginning of spring). The recipient can then decide whether to return the glove to its original location—determined by the included coordinates—or to hold the comforting object for a little while longer.

about Hazel van Berkel

to Hazel van Berkel

Plan a visit

Current exhibition

This exhibition is closed. This is showing at EXboot now:

Numerous small, colorful buttons of different sizes and shades are scattered over a light-colored, textured surface.

Apr 2

Apr 26

De Unbuttoning

Judith Spil

Suddenly, something falls to the ground: what could it be? Something that was previously hidden has just become visible through the falling of a button. Judith Spil explores how vulnerability can be made visual. In this work, she uses buttons. Everyday objects often appear in her work. The falling buttons detach from the canvas and form a continuously changing landscape on the floor.The buttons are connected to a thread that is slowly being pulled, and inevitably another button will fall. This happens slowly, just like when you share vulnerable parts of your life. You reveal parts of yourself, bit by bit. It's an irreversible process: once you share something with someone, you can't go back. It might strengthen your bond, but it also feels like something is falling away. A protective layer is missing; something is now being exposed. It's a beautiful, yet painful process in which you give away a part of yourself, which could connect you with other people. You take a risk by doing this, because you never know how others will react to your fragility.

where

Nijverheidskade 15
3534AZ Utrecht

Due to the unique and limited size of the cultural-historical site, EXboot is only accessible on foot and is not wheelchair accessible. There are no facilities for the hearing impaired (yet).

Een groep jonge mannen kijkt door het raam van de EXboot naar binnen

Always at EXboot

The sand path museum

I cherish both my present and my past. Besides a space for high-profile art, one of my rooms also houses the Zandpad Museum. Here, I'll tell you about my illustrious past and introduce you to people who know me well—inside or out. Sit on my stool, gaze out the window, and listen to the many stories surrounding my life.

Short documentary 'The Sand Path'

The Zandpad Museum is screening a short documentary about the history of the Zandpad. You'll also find numerous audio clips of conversations with various people involved, including a former sex worker and former mayor Aleid Wolfsen.

This Zandpad documentary was made by Sylvie Kamphuis & Jaap Pronk (director), Bram Engelaar (camera), Doenja Abel (production), Twan Bracco Gartner (music), and Bald Beeld (editing). Thanks to the interviewees: Aleid Wolfsen (former mayor of the Municipality of Utrecht), Brenda Oude Breuil (criminologist at Utrecht University), Jannie Teunissen (De Tussenvoorziening), the former sex worker, and the former client of Zandpad. The documentary was made possible in part by the Municipality of Utrecht, KF Heinfonds, Mondriaanfonds, and RTV Utrecht.

All about EXboot