2. An attempt at exhausting a place
Durational intervention en performance
Believing is Seeing
Mozes & Aäronkerk Amsterdam
2011
Duration 00:25:00
Partly funded by the Amsterdams fonds voor de Kunsten (AFK)
During the group exhibition Believing is seeing in the Moses and Aäron Church in Amsterdam, Marieke together with dancer
and actress Lilja Björk Hermannsdóttir (Iceland) presented a series of interventions based on the non verbal communica-
tion within Politics. The interventions were based on movements that emphasized power and strength but also uncertainty,
vulnerability and dependency of representatives before they address an audience. The poses such as coughing, swallowing,
an uncertain smile, touching clothing and looking around in an insecure manner were performed sequentially in one fluid
movement. Most movements were conducted synchronously.
This performance was the first performative work of Warmelink in a public realm.
3. House of Revelation
Performance
Up and down/back and forth
mau mau, Istanbul, Turkey
2012
Duration 00:03:00
With the presentation House of revelation, Warmelink created a ‘living installation’, an intervention, where performances
which took place throughout different floors of the building of maumau residency in Instanbul.
Six men, playing a role as ‘politicians’, were served luxurious delicacies while the audience moved from one room to the
other. The politicians discussed the value of tradition in relation to new forms of governance, which highlighted the conflict
of traditional values opposed to the need for gradual change in the socio-political system in Turkey. The visitors could listen
to the conversations but could not interfere.
The dinner was interrupted by a young man guiding a woman through different rooms. The woman was dressed in a gown
that covered her head so she could not see.
At the same time in the basement floor, a folk band was playing traditional music, people were reading different newspa-
pers and discussing life. The presentation stressed the hierarchy of governance in Turkey in relation to freedom of press,
media and the role of gender in society.
4. Shared Voices
Interactieve performance, Exhibition and lecture.
Artlab residency
Mixer, Istanbul, Turkey
March 2013
Duration 00:3:30
Shared Voices was an interactive performance in Istanbul, Turkey made during a residency in Mixer gallery, Instanbul.
The work ware based on the idea of creating a platform of exchange for locals and visitors. A mobile wall painting was made,
which represented a parliamentary setting. In front of this ‘mural’ a small stage was build with a lectern and microphone.
Participants were invited to the stage to share their opinion about their personal happiness in relation to the socio-political
climate in Turkey. At that moment, just before Gezi protests started, people were reluctant to share criticism of political
systems openly. The responses gave insight in the attitude, cultural values, need for gradual change and their socio-political
involvement.
The outcome of this interactive performance was documented on video. The selected material together with a conducted
sound piece were presented during the final exhibition at Mixer.
Inspired by Ted ex Talks, spin-doctor techniques and the Epic theatre of Brecht Warmelink also conducted a 10 minute po-
litical speech during Tophane art walk at Mixer. The starting point was the Transcript of remarks by Bill Gates (Chairman of
Microsoft Corporation during the World Economic Forum 2008) titled “A New Approach to Capitalism in the 21st Century”,
Davos, Switzerland Jan. 24, 2008.
Warmelink altered the transcript and focussed on creating system innovation in response to the growing individualism and
a profit-based market.
Warmelink proposed an alternative reality where non profits, businesses and government work together to enhance a social
change where different forces together stretch their reach with a growing interest in the fortune of others.
5. Office of the King is part of the transnational arts and culture program GrensWerte.
Marieke Warmelink presented herself as the King of the Network of New Humanism (NNH).
As King, Warmelink made an official visit to Enschede and Gronau in July 2013, looking for new forms of
governance. The King of NNH asked inhabitants of this particular border region for their opinion about a
monarchy through a series of interactive performances.
A temporary office was opened on the border of Germany and The Netherlands, at a formal borderpost. The
office was open for visitors to exchange ideas and have a cup of coffee with the King.
During the conversations, the responsibilities and expectations of the monarchy were questioned by means
of questionaires.
The content of these conversations were used as inspiration for the final exhibition at TETEM kunstruimte in
Enschede.
Office of the King
Coffee with the King
Interactieve performance in public space
Gronau/Glanerbrug
Germany/The Netherlands
Juli 2013
Duration 1 week
Made possible by arts and culture program GrensWerte.
Invited by curator Stephan Us
6. Office of the King
The Good Conversation
Paneldiscussie, interactieve performance
TETEM kunstruimte, Enschede
The Netherlands
July 2013
Duration 00:50:00
Made possible by arts and culture program GrensWerte.
Invited by curator Stephan Us
In The Good Conversation, Marieke Warmelink, invited three important guests to participate in a paneldiscussion open to
the public. The discussion was aimed to question the role and relevence of the monarchy in the current society and to op-
pose alternative solutions to different forms of governance.
The audience was given specific competences to participate in the conversation. The secretary of the King was responsible
for handing out these competences. In consultation with the King certain sanctions were imposed depending on the be-
havior of the audience.
The three speakers were: Jan van Lijf; board member of the municipality of Enschede (D66), Ab Gietelink; author, actor,
producer and founder of a visionary think tank; Alternative!, and Theo van Tijn; student history at Utrecht University.
During the visit to the King, it was necessary to follow a protocol where photos could only be taken in consultation with
the Secretary of the King, the audience had to wear appropriate clothing and could address the King in a way that they feel
comfortable with.
7. Democratic Kumpir
Interactieve performance
IPA performance festival
Galerie Sanatorium
Istanbul, Turkey
August 2013
Duration 00:30:00
Invited by Burcak Konukman IPA
foto; Jurgen Fritz
Demokratic Kumpir consists of a video screeing, speech act and a participatory performance.
Marieke Warmelink presented herself as the King of the Network of New Humanism (NNH).
As King, Warmelink made an official state visit to Istanbul in August 2013, looking for new forms of governance.
Together with the audience Warmelink re-designed democracy making use of a traditional Turkish dish; the Kumpir. The
Kumpir, is an oven baked potato filled with several ingredients. During this performance the Kumpir became the new symbol
of democracy. Each ingredient, chosen by different people from the audience, represented vital propositions to alternative
forms of governance.
8. We Refugees
Installation
Selection of 15 Oil paintings of various sizes
on wooden installations
Salon 2060
Antwerp, Belgium
2014
Salon 2060 showed works by Warmelink, which were specially created for the exhibition. The title ‘we refugees’ refers
to the refugee policy in Europe (in 2014 this was very different from the situation in 2016). Paintings of politicians are
displayed in front of the window. The 15 portraits are placed on simple wooden structures reminds one of billboards. In
this way the politicians are not only watching the passerby, but they themselves become the ones to be looked at. The
portraits show their tiredness and doubt. Somehow they become interchangeable. The installation reveals perhaps the
biggest fear of all, the ability to show their real face.
9. Ordinary secrets is a short film based on a performance where Marieke is playing the role of husband of one of the women
of Somelia, a small community in Partapur. The film gives an insight of the women’s wishes and ideas on marriage with, a
subject not easily spoken about among the women.
During the filmmaking Marieke got a special insight in the different values, needs and wishes of this group of women in
society today in a time that is rapidly changing. The husbands of these women often live abroad, or in bigger city’s. The
women marry at a young age, through arranged marriage, work at the fields, take care of the children, and do the house-
hold.
During the work process it was important that the group of women became co-writers of the work. The work of Marieke is
is based on the voice of the public and investigates, analyses and maps out different needs through interaction and partici-
pation.
Ordinary secrets
short film
Equilibrium, Sandarph
Residency Program, September 1 - October 6
Partapur, Rajahstan, India
Project of Beneshwer Lok Vikas Sansthan and Sandarbh with Waldpodena-
kademie in collaboration with Equilibrium
Duration 00:05:45
2014
10. Acchā dina, Good days
short film
Equilibrium, Sandarph
Part of Residency Program, September 1 - October 6
Partapur, Rajahstan India
Made possible by Equilibrium, a project of Beneshwer LokVikas Sansthan and Sandarbh in collaboration
with Waldpodenakademie
duriation 00:06:33
2014
Acha Dina is a short film created in collaboration with a group of women of Semeliya, a small tribal community in Partapur.
The film is a poetic representation which reflects on the position of women in Indian society and the role they play in daily
life. The video captures changing times and its effect on structure of the village.
The starting point of the film is a dialogue with the group of women, who each had to list 5 wishes for the future.
Furthermore is the film is based on an installation ‘Make in India’ which consists of 29 pairs of trousers. Therefor Marieke
visited 29 women in Partapur who’s husbands work in Kouwait. The men are away for many years and often return home
once a year. It is therefor the women who run the homes, deal with family business and often work on the fields or have
other jobs. Marieke Warmelink challenges the presence and absence of men in relation to these women’s lives.
The installation ‘Make in India’ became the starting point of the film.
An important aspect in the film is the sound; you can hear a traditional song which the women sing, based on one of their
traditional songs, but specifically altered and composed for the film.
11. Embassy of Goodwill
One hour of free help
Interactive performance in public space
AIOPFREE, Art in odd places, performance festival
Union Square/ 14th Manhatten Street, New York
a project by Doménique Himmelsbach de Vries & Marieke Warmelink
Duration 4 days Union Square, 6 days various locations in New York
October 9/12-10-2014
The Embassy of Goodwill aims to raise the image of The Netherlands by offering one hour of free help to locals around
the world. The project was launched in New York during performance festival Art in Odd Places. During 4 days the artists
provided locals and passer-by’s free help on Union Square, after which they gave free help throughout various locations at
people’s homes or offices.
The Netherlands used to be known as a safe haven for individuals who think differently. However, the past years the
country has been dominated by a growing fear of dissidents, which has resulted in a fertile ground for negativity.
With their free help Himmelsbach de Vries and Warmelink save the reputation of the Netherlands and share their expertise,
experience and knowledge on a personal level solving problems together with applicants. Anybody could book one hour of
free help, the possiblities were unlimited.
The embassy of Goodwill gathers important information of personal needs of citizens all around the world. Valuable infor-
mation for many policymakers.
www.embassyofgoodwill.com
12. Investigation Dutch Identity
Art Rotterdam 2015
February 5
Intersections
Series of performative interventions
Questionairs Dutch Identity & interviews imagination leadership.
partly In collaboration with Daphne Rieken
Made possible by Amsterdams Fonds voor de Kunsten (AFK)
Part of research development project
2015
In this performance, Warmelink operates as an independent civil service where she plays the role of researcher. Warmelink
analyses and maps out existing convictions and stigma’s of cultural identity. Although never asked to provide anybody with
her research, Warmelink still continues her work and offers solutions, driven by the underlying hypothesis that art, with a
semi-scientific approach, can deliver an unexpected outcome, which can be of extreme value for politics, science and other
fields of expertise.
Warmelink offers specific expertise to bring the human approach, playfulness and creativity back into official gatherings.
Warmelink plays a role as ‘representative’ of The Netherlands during this event.
In this role Warmelink researches stigma’s and convictions of being Dutch. Instruments to gain an insight in these convic-
tions are open and structured questionnaires, clipboards on which people can write their statements and small video-
statements. Warmelink questions how Dutch people are, and if Dutch people are aware of their own stigma’s.
Warmelink also collaborated with art historian and writer Daphne Rieken to ask visitors about possibilities for the role of
art in relation to the King and our monarchy. People were asked how art can contribute to better communication.
13. Inside the Bubble- Outside the Monarchy
performative workshop
Monarchy, leadership and alternatives
in collaboration with Renée Hartog, Fernando Burges &
Universiteit van Amsterdam, Graduate School of Social Sciences
Made possible by Amsterdams Fonds voor de Kunsten (AFK)
Part of research development project
duration 02:00:00
2015
The goal of the workshop was to question the role of the King and to substitute the political system of the monarch.
The workshop used of both artistic and academic skills and tools, bringing both work fields together. It was not just a
discussion but a performative collaboration. Warmelink, who initiated and designed the workshop was curious to hear the
point of view and experiences of the participants about the role of the King and the monarchy.
Also Warmelink wanted to know what kind of leadership fits our society today? Can monarchs, politicians and members of
the government live up to the expectations of the people? What do people expect or need? Can world leaders live up to
their promises? How can one be a modern leader deal with contemporary conflicts?
Background info
In 2015 the constitutional monarchy celebrated its 200th anniversary in 2015. Since 1814, The Netherlands has a constitu-
tion that served as a charter for the monarchy of the Netherlands. In this first constitution, a strong personal power was
granted to the Sovereign. However, since then many things have changed and the monarch does not hold the same power
as he had then. Marieke’s opinion is that this form of government is no longer relevant for the times we live in and that the
King is not the designated person to represent the country. As someone who has not been directly elected by the people
and is not even able to vote himself, the monarch does not reflect a modern democratic country. This arbitrary power is
seen by Warmelink as a false democracy and she challenges: it is time for an alternative!
14. Royal Practice Ceremony
Performative intervention & short film
Royal Palace
Damsquare
Camera & post production Riske de Vries
Made possible by Amsterdams Fonds voor de Kunsten (AFK)
Part of research development project
Duration 00:02:00
2015
On Wednesday, April 22, Warmelink prepared a Royal practice ceremony in front of the Royal Palace in Amsterdam. As
representative of the Netherlands Warmelink imagined what would happen if the Netherlands would suddenly not have a
monarch anymore, therefor Warmelink initiated a practice ceremony, to be better prepared to take over ceremonial duties
at any time. The performance was staged, yet open for the public to participate and offered a variety of different ceremo-
nial formations.
This ceremony was filmed by Royalty watcher Frank Buis, who made his own report, shared on Youtube with about 8000
views.
more info
https://youtu.be/KvYL1k4uljc
www.hetgeheimvandekoning.nl
15. The New King
Performative presentation
Theater Studio’s, Fringe Festival
Regie Lilja Hermansdjottir
Dramaturgie Aukje Verhoog & Erica Smits (mime)
Made possible by Amsterdams Fonds voor de Kunsten (AFK)
Part of research development project
Duration 00:35:00
2015
“The only fictive journalist performative theater installation with video rituals”’
The King’s secret is a multidisciplinary performance about the monarchy, leadership and the role of the king. The King’s Se-
cret is an investigation into modern leadership and at the same time a design for new forms of governance that match the
spirit of the time and society we live in today. Artist Marieke Warmelink became King by accident and reveals in her new
role the secrets of the Dutch monarchy. Warmelink offers an alternative that replaces the monarchy; a design for a new
form of governance that fits the times and society we live in today.
Visitors were officially invited to the royal office, an office and studio at the same time. Her Majesty shared in a short pre-
sentation special video footage, surprising anecdotes and interesting thoughts on her new role.
This performance was an installation which is brought to life; a glimpse into the future of an artist and King at the same
time. An unprecedented opportunity for the audience to explore hidden secrets. After the presenation the audience was
invited to stay and discuss appropriate matters.
16. Of Kings & Consuls
Duo Performance
Parallel event 14th Istanbul Biennial 2015
Chapel of the General Consulate of the Netherlands
Invited by Jeroen Gankema
Made possible by Ministry of Forreign Affairs
Duration 00:35:00
2015
As an official parallel event to the 14th Istanbul Biennial, guests are invited to witness an evening of site-specific, histori-
cally inspired performances as part of the Dutch Consulate’s initiative of bringing Dutch artists to an international audi-
ence - in line with the consulate’s policy of bridging the gap between The Netherlands and Turkey whilst facilitating cultural
exchange amongst viewers and taste-makers alike.
Of Kings & Consuls, was a program designed by Dutch artists Marieke Warmelink & Allard van Hoorn and aimed at engag-
ing audiences with performances, crossing-over various disciplines such as, architecture, theatre and music at the Chapel
of the Dutch Consulate.
Warmelink involved her audience in the process through collaborative methods, applying interdisciplinary strategies to
challenge the current role of the spectator. The work reflects on the public domain, responding to both historic and cur-
rent affairs - making the Istanbul Biennial an ideal time in which to connect with many people and cultures at an event of
cultural celebration.
Marieke Warmelink takes on the role of the new representative of The Netherlands for her performance at the Consulate.
Through a combination of live art and performance, Warmelink welcomes her audience to the chapel where she presented
her work using various forms of media, implementing elements of theatre, film and animation. Warmelink designed her
presentation for the Matra department, which supports human rights programs in Turkey.
17. The Monument
Embassy of Goodwill, One Hour of Free Help
AIOP RECALL 2015 Performance festival, New York
In collaboration with Domenique Himmelsbach de Vries
Durational performance & exhibition
Exhibition Lodge Gallery, New York
October 7/19-10-2015
Made possible by AIOP, Netherland America Foundation & Dutch Culture USA
After a successful participation in the performance festival Art In Odd Places 2014, social artists Doménique Himmelsbach
de Vries and Marieke Warmelink were selected among 50 others out of 800 artists to restage One Hour of Free Help at
Union Square during the 11th edition of AIOP RECALL in October 2015.
With One Hour of Free Help the artists aim to raise the social reputation of the Netherlands. The Netherlands used to be
known as a safe haven for individuals who think differently. However, the past years the country has been dominated by a
growing fear of dissidents,which has resulted in a fertile ground for negativity. Embassy of Goodwill wants to discuss and
reflect on this current fear based political realm and instead, encourage people to act with curiosity and openness to the
other. The artists take on the role of an embassy, the Embassy of Goodwill. As servant of ‘the people’, in spite of race, na-
tionality and origin, they symbolically reclaim and re-use populism in a fertile and social way.
This year the artists made a
As opposed to the personal and one-to-one approach in 2014, for the AIOP RECALL festival in 2015 we create a monument
for the help offered in 2014, approaching the help project as a historical event. With this action we aim to materialize the
immaterial intervention of an hour free help and by doing so making the project, the participants and the idea of helping
each other last for the future.
The monument consists of two banners with text and a analogue power point presentation which consists of , paintings, of
the free help given in 2014. The mobile monument is presented as a performance and will was located on Union Square in
Manhattan, the main street of the festival. . Furthermore, visitors were invited to fill in a form to win one day of free help
themselves. On the final day of the festival the winner was announced
Apart from the Exhibition at lodge gallery the artists gave lectures at Columbia University and Pace University and gave a
public talk.
18. 14-11-2015
Intervention performance
French Consulate Amsterdam
duration 02:00:00
2015
14/11/2015 Warmelink is a silent protest which questions the role of political leaders conveying themselves as saviors of
the nation, convinced of being indestructible using nationalism as a means to gain power, spread fear and intolerance.
The performance includes a walk to the French Consulate in Amsterdam after the Paris attacks on 13/11/2015.
Watch the short video documentation
https://youtu.be/Lufn9AxR1Sw
watch the interview with Telegraaf
https://youtu.be/92128mI1CR0
19. An act of hanging
performance & artist talk
Studio Kein, Istanbul, Turkey
duration 00:03:00
2015
On november 20, Marieke Warmelink presented An act of hanging during the opening reception of the exhibition Alice,
curated by Sine Ergun at Studio Kein, Istanbul, Turkey. With An act of hanging, Warmelink responds to the Paris attacks of
13-11-2015.
Warmelink is, hanging of the ceiling of Studio Kein, wearing a white shirt, black tie and french coloured angel wings. One
could hear the The French National anthem playing in the exhibiton space and an English translation was projected onto
her stomach.
Warmelink wanted to challange her endurance by hanging of the ceiling.
With An act of hanging Warmelink questions the role of political leaders conveying themselves as saviors of the nation,
convinced of being indestructible using nationalism as a means to gain power, spread fear and intolerance. In the light of
current international political affairs Warmelink’s point of view is clear; Those driven by illusion cannot win, as gravity has
no mercy. One cannot pretend to have powers one does not have.
Extracts of the national anthem
Refrain
Grab your weapons, citizens!
Form you batallions!
Let us march! Let us march!
May impure blood
Water our fields.
