Oudekerksplein 23, 1012 GX Amsterdam, Netherlands
"Godsworth" Jesse Darling Solo Exhibition | Oude Kerk
British artist Jesse Darling transformed a church space into a landscape composed of construction debris, old furniture, discarded electronics, and other materials collected from Amsterdam. At a time of social, political, and ecological pressures, Goldsworth reflects on the meaning of value and how it is repeatedly redefined and rediscovered. A scene strewn with construction debris. Large areas of the church floor are covered in rubble. Darling's whimsical sculptures, built from discarded furniture, scrap metal, and broken appliances, rise from this ground. These materials come from Amsterdam, some collected by Darlin himself. Using everyday waste and rubble, Darlin emphasizes the often chaotic reality of human existence in his work and questions the social and political forces that determine value. In Darlin's view, rubble is not the end point, but rather "material in a transitional state," waiting to be re-evaluated and given new meaning. Darlin draws inspiration from the nearly forty altars scattered throughout the church, places where different groups once gathered—each with its unique rituals and connections. In Gotsworth, these places of encounter and meaning-making return in seemingly temporary combinations, ready to take on different forms at any moment. Scaffolding elements are part of these structures: they provide stability and also symbolize what is still under construction. In this way, Goldsworth presents a space where everything is in flux: matter, meaning, form, and fusion. In an era where society, politics, and ecosystems face pressure, Goldsworth not only reflects on the meaning of value but also considers how value is repeatedly redefined and rediscovered.
Apr 24–Sep 27, 2026 (UTC+1)