Proudly Presents:

FROM: ANDENKEN -

LENNARD SCHUURMANS OLIVIER VRANCKEN OPENING: APRIL 20th ANDENKEN - PAZZANISTRAAT 17 - AMSTERDAM For Immediate Release: The Grand Opening of Battalion at WesterPark - CONTRACT Exhibition

Time and Location: Saturday April 20th - from 17:00 - 22:00 - BATTALION - Pazzanistraat 17, Westergasfabriek, Amsterdam

Battalion Amsterdam is set to pop in our new location at Pazzanistraat 17. With the opening, Battalion Art and Design becomes the latest in a series of moves by the Westergasfabriek to spark the creation of a new arts district in Amsterdam. Joining the hotly received Gallery 33, (the latest project from online leviathan Nalden), and the acclaimed Kallenbach Gallery, Battalion is now the 3rd open to the public arts focused space on the Pazzanistraat in Westerpark.

Battalion will continue to focus on fine art for the walls, amazing prints from a world renowned roster, high quality low edition books and zines, and handsome design items from around the globe.

The new venue will host exhibitions from multiple curators including Andenken Gallery, Coates and Scary out of , HVW8 from , YOUR:OWN via Copenhagen and others.

Opening to the public on Saturday April 20th, with an Andenken curated show - ’Contract’ from two tal- ented abstract artists, Lennard Schuurmans (Amsterdam) and Olivier Vrancken (Breda).

The following few pages contain some imagery and information on these Misters Schuurmans and Vrancken. Exhibition runs through May 21st.

Contact: Hyland Mather email: [email protected] Battalion Hours starting April 20th: web: battalionville.com web: andenken.com Wednesday - Sunday 12pm - 6pm facebook: andenken.battalion twitter: @hylandmather Lennard Schuurmans www.lennardschuurmans.com Lennard Schuurmans. (Born Dedemsvaart 1979)

Jack of all trades: painter, illustrator, muralist, sign painter, blogger and founder of the Barn Fresh company.

He has illustrated for major brands and companies such as Opel, Volcom, Levi’s, Nike and Amsterdam Central Station.

Lennard has been exhibiting his paintings and installations since 2003 in the and abroad. 6 years ago it was 50’s animation that triggered Lennards interest for a more abstract approach in his work. He started to paint abstract landscapes inspired by the classic animation backgrounds that he loved so much. Over the years the work became more and more abstract and from 2012 it has reached a point of total abstraction.

In his recent work Lennard is trying to shape depth with flat shapes. Rhythm and movement and subtle shades of colour that interact with each other. Balancing forms that seem to vibrate and slide in and out of the work. Inspired by music and architecture and painted on wood blocks, or found objects. Every piece is a sketch for the next one. It’s an ongoing process of innovation and at the same repetition, not afraid to contradict himself. Taking chances and looking back to go forward.

Lennard Schuurmans - Norwegian Wood 2013 Lennard Schuurmans

Lennard Schuurmans - Novocane Lennard Schuurmans Paintings 2012 - 2013

Lennard Schuurmans - Clockwise from Top Left Sound Of Silver Stepping Into Tomorrow Sure Shot San Franciscan Night Olivier Vrancken www.oliviervrancken.com Olivier Vrancken is a Belgian graphic designer and painter. Born in Antwerp (1973), now residing in Breda, The Netherlands. He studied Graphic Design & Illustration at St-Lucas Art academy in his hometown.

His favour for the abstract is omnipresent in his recent work. Using a soft tone pallet, bold organic shapes and the negative space as counterbalance to create strong and rhythmic compositions.

Mostly starting from small rough line sketches and from there straight on to the canvas. Never avoiding experiment. Intuitively creating and expanding his visual language.

He draws Inspiration from movies, books, music, art&design related to the 60’s en 70’s, contemporary culture and life in general.

Currently Olivierʼs main focus is creating personal work and doing projects. Olivier Vrancken www.oliviervrancken.com Olivier Vrancken Battalion ... Come Visit battalionville.com