Hidden Sites

The province of Groningen has almost two hundred centuries-old locations where a borg - a castle/farm or fortified manor house - once stood. Most of these sites however are hidden in the landscape, as invisible as the stories of these unique places with their natural, scenic and cultural-historical significance. For that reason there is little to see today. The province of Groningen also has many church sites, historic church buildings and old churchyards, mostly in quiet corners of the landscape. All these hidden sites are deeply linked with the history of Groningen, and have played their part in defining the identity of the region. Between 2002 and 2007 a number of these places were restored. Four photographers were commissioned to uncover the mystic and secret character of these centuries-old cultural sites.

Exclusive exhibition for rent:

Photographers
Three internationally renowned photographers were commissioned to divulge the story of centuries old borgen ('farm-castles') and churches: Machiel Botman (Netherlands, 1955), Andreas Gefeller (Germany, 1970) and Terri Weifenbach (USA, 1957). The commission was also given to Marco Wiegers (Netherlands, 1973), a local talent that graduated from Academy Minerva. What binds the four photographers is their fascination with locations and their talent in luring a hidden atmosphere from them. Nature and heritage, be it in different ways, play a big role for all of them.

Curating
Production and curating: Noorderlicht, 2005. Commissioned by and in cooperation with: Oude Groninger Kerken Foundation, Landschapsbeheer Groningen Foundation and Particuliere Historische Buitenplaatsen Foundation.

Catalogue
The catalogue that appeared with Hidden Sites is luxuriously designed and contains an extensive selection of visual material. It includes an introduction by Marjoleine de Vos (editor with NRC, daily national paper) and literary contributions by Maria van Dalen (poet), Bas Heijne (writer) and Aafke Steenhuis (writer). It is available in Dutch and English (English version without literary contributions). The catalogue can be supplied with the exhibition for sale. Visit our bookshop for more details.

Size of the exhibition
The touring exhibition includes 76 photographs. Space required: 50 running meters of wall area (dependent on the manner of hanging). In consultation with Noorderlicht you can make a suitable selection, tailored to the space you have available.

Presentation
The exhibition contains 76 framed images (with as well as without glass). The sizes of the frames vary, from 40x50 cm (smallest) to 120x120 cm (largest). No special picture hanging system is required. We can advise you with regard to layout and design.

Availability
The exhibition is available through 2010.