Sara Seijn Chang
Sara Seijn Chang
TRANSMUTATION is the first comprehensive solo exhibition of Korean-Dutch artist Sara Sejin Chang (Sara van der Heide) (1977). The exhibition presents works from the past fifteen years that showcase the versatility of her artistic practice.
The leitmotif is questioning the colonial and Eurocentric 'blueprint' that continues to resonate both in Europe and internationally. For instance, in the emergence of a large-scale, transracial adoption industry influenced by colonial power dynamics. It is precisely through form—poetic and spellbinding installations—that she seeks to undo this way of thinking. Her films and installations stem from years of research, bringing together historical events and Korean shamanism.
Certain works – Hollands Kabinet, The Garden, ArtHistory – unfold over extended periods of time. In doing so, they form a critique of Western notions of linearity and progress. At the same time, they are also 'meditations' – on the normalisation of the far right, nationalism, and Western dominance over (art) history.
The works reflect, mirror, confront, but also invite collective healing. Central to this exhibition is the concept of 'transmutation': a spiritual concept in which the historical-political blueprint transforms into "Light". Through this path, Chang deploys spirituality for the collective, thereby transcending the personal.
About Sara Seijn Chang
Korean-Dutch artist Sara Sejin Chang (Sara van der Heide) (1977) lives and works in Berlin. Chang creates films and large-scale, immersive (film) installations, while also working across various media, such as textiles, painting, and writing. Her work is shown at international biennials and in museums, and her practice lies at the intersection of decolonial, diasporic, queer, and feminist modes of thinking and working. Centraal Museum Utrecht has been following Chang's international career for some time and nominated her in 2023 for the Theodora Niemeijer Prize, a prestigious award for female artists, which she received in recognition of her oeuvre to date.
Landhuis Oud Amelisweerd X Centraal Museum
From 2022 through 2027, Centraal Museum is hosted at Landhuis Oud Amelisweerd. For six years, from spring through autumn, this beautiful, historic country estate serves as the backdrop for a solo exhibition by a renowned contemporary Dutch artist. The programming is a partner project of Hartwig Art Foundation.
Practical information
Reserving tickets is not required and not possible online. The ticket desk is located in the entrance of the manor house.
Image: Sara Sejin Chang (Sara van der Heide), Dismemberment, film installation, 45’, 2024*
TRANSMUTATION is the first comprehensive solo exhibition of Korean-Dutch artist Sara Sejin Chang (Sara van der Heide) (1977). The exhibition presents works from the past fifteen years that showcase the versatility of her artistic practice.
The leitmotif is questioning the colonial and Eurocentric 'blueprint' that continues to resonate both in Europe and internationally. For instance, in the emergence of a large-scale, transracial adoption industry influenced by colonial power dynamics. It is precisely through form—poetic and spellbinding installations—that she seeks to undo this way of thinking. Her films and installations stem from years of research, bringing together historical events and Korean shamanism.
Certain works – Hollands Kabinet, The Garden, ArtHistory – unfold over extended periods of time. In doing so, they form a critique of Western notions of linearity and progress. At the same time, they are also 'meditations' – on the normalisation of the far right, nationalism, and Western dominance over (art) history.
The works reflect, mirror, confront, but also invite collective healing. Central to this exhibition is the concept of 'transmutation': a spiritual concept in which the historical-political blueprint transforms into "Light". Through this path, Chang deploys spirituality for the collective, thereby transcending the personal.
About Sara Seijn Chang
Korean-Dutch artist Sara Sejin Chang (Sara van der Heide) (1977) lives and works in Berlin. Chang creates films and large-scale, immersive (film) installations, while also working across various media, such as textiles, painting, and writing. Her work is shown at international biennials and in museums, and her practice lies at the intersection of decolonial, diasporic, queer, and feminist modes of thinking and working. Centraal Museum Utrecht has been following Chang's international career for some time and nominated her in 2023 for the Theodora Niemeijer Prize, a prestigious award for female artists, which she received in recognition of her oeuvre to date.
Landhuis Oud Amelisweerd X Centraal Museum
From 2022 through 2027, Centraal Museum is hosted at Landhuis Oud Amelisweerd. For six years, from spring through autumn, this beautiful, historic country estate serves as the backdrop for a solo exhibition by a renowned contemporary Dutch artist. The programming is a partner project of Hartwig Art Foundation.
Practical information
Reserving tickets is not required and not possible online. The ticket desk is located in the entrance of the manor house.
Image: Sara Sejin Chang (Sara van der Heide), Dismemberment, film installation, 45’, 2024*
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