A swim to the floating gardens, images by Lorenzo García-Andrade Llamas. 5 Jul 2026
15:00 - 17:30
A Closer Reading of the Floating Gardens with Radna Rumping
On 5 July 2026, Framer Framed presents the culmination of the 2026 Framer Framed x UvA Political Science fellowship with a special programme by 2026 fellow Radna Rumping. As part of the programme, aimed to bridge political sciences with contemporary artistic practices of political engagement, Rumping presents the research conducted during the fellowship.
In the waters of the Entrepothaven float four gardens, always there, but not easily approached. They are inhabited by birds, bees and mussels, and for humans they function more as a sign, an image seen from a certain distance.
In spring 2026, as part of the Framer Framed x UvA Political Science fellowship, Rumping conducted artistic research into these Floating Gardens. They are the legacy of artist and anti-smoking magician Robert Jasper Grootveld, who spent his life making floating constructions based on the principle of the power of softness. His gardens still exist today, now intertwined with many people: raft builders, gardeners and local residents. During this afternoon, Rumping shares a work-in-progress essay that attempts to bring the gardens slightly closer and unfold some of their layered nature, without framing them too tightly.
The afternoon begins with a visit to the gardens themselves, viewed from a distance, with an introduction by the Vlottenbouwers van Amsterdam. This is followed by a reading from the essay at Framer Framed, and a conversation between Pennie Key (2026 Framer Framed x UvA Political Science Fellow) and Rumping about their fellowships and their shared interest in how bodies and practices persist within systems of control. Key’s research will be presented later this summer.
With this new essay, Rumping builds on her earlier publication Shaky Ground (Stubborn Material) and explores how the concept of “stubborn material” manifests in Amsterdam’s public space.
Programme
15:00 Visit to the Floating Gardens Entrepothaven, 1019 HA Amsterdam, with an introduction by Sjarifah Effendi of the Vlottenbouwers van Amsterdam
15:30 Walk, cycle, or public transport to Framer Framed
16:00 A closer reading of the Floating Gardens, by Radna Rumping
16:30 Conversation between Pennie Key and Radna Rumping, moderated by Lydia Markaki
17:00 Drinks
Sign up here.
Location
Framer Framed
Oranje-Vrijstaatkade 71
1093KS, Amsterdam
Info & Credits
This event is in English. Admission is free, pay what you can. Do you also think art should be free and accessible? Please consider supporting us with a donation when registering or by becoming a Framer Framed Friend!
Framer Framed is supported by the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science; Amsterdam Fund for the Arts; the Municipality of Amsterdam; and VriendenLoterij Fonds.
- Personal website of Pennie Key
- A public archive of Radna's audio pieces and essays
- Personal website of Radna
Links
Amsterdam Oost / Artist Talk /
Network
Pennie Key
Artist
