The Fries Museum in Leeuwarden

On Wednesday 17 December, artist Louwrien Wijers (Aalten, 1941) will give a free online 'Art Talk'. Wijers works extensively with words and conversations and became known for her 'mental sculpture': works of art consisting of language and dialogue. During her groundbreaking career, she has spoken with leading artists, scientists and thinkers, including Joseph Beuys, Andy Warhol and the Dalai Lama. These encounters have helped her develop an inspiring vision of art, science and life. During the Art Talk, Louwrien will discuss her artistic philosophy, her unique working method and the influences of science and spirituality in her work. She will also talk about her new and first solo museum exhibition, We Live in Language, which is currently on display at the Fries Museum. The Art Talk is free to attend from 6 to 8 p.m. via Zoom and YouTube. The event is organised by Mind & Life Europe in collaboration with the Fries Museum and will be held entirely in English. Register or find more information at friesmuseum.nl/arttalk.

The Art Talk is part of Mind & Life Europe's 2025 Arts & Enaction Series. The programme consists of a short introductory video, a virtual tour of the exhibition, a preview of From Competition to Compassion, the upcoming film by Petrine Vinje and Carsten Aniksdal about Louwrien Wijers, with a brief explanation by the filmmakers, and a dialogue between Wijers and Martijn van Beek (associate professor of anthropology, Aarhus University). The event will conclude with a Q&A with the audience.

Wijers recently won the GERRIT BENNER Prize 2025 for her leading contribution to art in Fryslân. The jury praised her unique way of working: ‘She sees words, thoughts and communication as a form of art and emphasises their importance to society. Her work is calm and thoughtful, and forms a powerful counterbalance to the fast-paced visual culture.’ In honour of this award, the Fries Museum is organising the exhibition GERRIT BENNER Prize 2025: Louwrien Wijers – We Live in Language. The exhibition will be on display until 29 March 2026.

we live in language
The exhibition We Live in Language provides an overview of Louwrien's oeuvre, including work that has never been shown before. ‘We live in language,’ says Louwrien. By carefully weighing words, listening attentively and reaching mutual understanding, we shape the world and the future. The exhibition displays Wijers' archive and offers a unique opportunity to listen to some of her 'mental sculptures', including interviews with the artist collective General Idea, artist Joseph Beuys and former Minister of Digital Affairs of Taiwan, Audrey Tang. Wijers invites visitors to be touched by the conversation and to take away what resonates with them.

about mind & life europe
Mind & Life Europe (MLE) is an organisation that brings together people from diverse fields to explore new insights into the human experience. These encounters give rise to inspiring conversations about human experiences that give us more insight into the world. Together with experts from fields such as neuroscience, education, ecology and the arts, MLE encourages open and honest exchange.

One of the programmes organised by MLE is the Arts & Enaction Events series: a programme at the intersection of art, creativity and philosophy. The conversation with Wijers is part of this series.

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louwrien wijers: we live in language

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artist louwrien wijers gives free online art talk

on wednesday 17 december

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louwrien wijers: we live in language