| MKgalerie.nl is a self-described typical commercial gallery with a distinct interest in the Rotterdam art scene. In a brief conversation, Emmo Grofsmid pointed out that Amsterdam, as a capitol city, may have an easier time attracting attention, while in Rotterdam the community must to work together in order to promote the city. The attention is not automatically provided so galleries and artists have to establish a place for themselves. MKgalerie.nl is acutely aware of this and consciously works to establish Rotterdam’s contemporary art scene nationally and internationally. | 
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MKgalerie.nl is a self-described typical commercial gallery with a distinct interest in the Rotterdam art scene. In a brief conversation, Emmo Grofsmid pointed out that Amsterdam, as a capitol city, may have an easier time attracting attention, while in Rotterdam the community must to work together in order to promote the city. The attention is not automatically provided so galleries and artists have to establish a place for themselves. MKgalerie.nl is acutely aware of this and consciously works to establish Rotterdam’s contemporary art scene nationally and internationally.
To this effect, the gallery exhibits both international and local Rotterdam artists. Grofsmid affirms that if only local artists were exhibited, then the gallery would remain local. Furthermore, Rotterdam-based artists benefit from mingling because it provides them with more international exposure. MKgalerie.nl helps foster the Rotterdam art they believe in by featuring local artists at their stands at international art fairs. Stemming from an enthusiasm for contemporary art, MKgalerie.nl’s first home was in partners Emmo Grofsmid and Karmin Kartowikromo’s apartment in 1992. Two years later, Grofsmid and Kartowikromo opened their current space on the Witte de Withstraat. At first, the gallery was a part-time venture, while the directors were working separate 60-hour week jobs. Five years ago, the directors left their conventional jobs in order to pursue their gallery work full time. Since then, the gallery flourished and is known locally for its high quality exhibitions.
Currently on view is “Cake for me, Bread for the others,” a solo exhibition featuring London artist Shane Waltener. Fascinated by crafts, Waltener’s work involves typical domestically orientated art, including knitting, crocheting, gardening and baking. MKgalerie.nl’s exhibition consists of giant doilies, sugar and glass sculptures, a baked salt dough mural and jams made by artists. In conjunction with the festival of the World, with Witte de With, the artist will invite viewers to decorate cakes, which will be added to his personal cake collection.
Corresponding to Grofsmid’s statement on involving both international and local artists, Rotterdam native Hanneke van Velzen is due to exhibit her photographs directly following Waltener’s Cake at MKgalerie.nl. Opening October 7th and on view until November 5th is Van Velzen’s “Traces” of a Western Civilization. This exhibition features photographer Van Velzen’s work completed while living in New York and traveling through the United States. Seven series’ will be presented each consisting out of nine to 15 photographs taken in various regions in the US.
“Traces” takes the theme entropy as its starting point, which is defined as “the tendency of all matter and energy in the universe—including all systems, societies et cetera—to change toward a state of disorder or randomness.” The pictures include broken down junk vehicles and scrap metal set against scenic environments and dense landscapes of flora and fauna, now monuments of heroism which were once sites of bloodshed. Considering MKgalerie.nl’s history of featuring Rotterdam gems, this show should not be missed.
MKgalerie.nl accomplishes its role in promoting and cultivating up and coming art from Rotterdam. To add, by consistently exhibiting exceptional artwork from local and international artists alike, the gallery deserves a star spot on the Witte de Withstraat.
