5 Jul 2026
15:00 - 17:30
A Closer Reading of the Floating Gardens with Pennie Key & Radna Rumping
On 5 July 2026, Framer Framed presents A Closer Reading of the Floating Gardens, delving into the research of Pennie Key and Radna Rumping. Both artists are fellows for the 2026 Framer Framed x UvA Political Science fellowship programme, which aims to bridge political sciences with contemporary artistic practices of political engagement. The afternoon features a visit to the buoyant gardens in Amsterdam’s Entrepothaven, a reading by Rumping and a conversation with Key. Through artistic research and collective reflection, the programme seeks to make sense of ever-present yet often abstracted gardens, exploring the histories, relationships and practices that sustain them.
In spring 2026, artist Radna Rumping conducted artistic research into the Entrepothaven Floating Gardens and the legacy of Robert Jasper Grootveld – Dutch artist, anti-smoker and magician who spent his life creating floating constructions that elicited the power of softness. His gardens still float today, coexisting with and sustained by the practices of raft builders, gardeners and local residents. The four floating gardens of Entrepothaven are home to birds, bees and mussels. However, although always present, they are primarily experienced from a distance.
The afternoon begins with a visit to the gardens introduced by the Vlottenbouwers van Amsterdam. Later, at Framer Framed, Rumping shares a working essay that explores the layered nature of the floating gardens in an attempt to bring them closer to everyday perception without defining them too narrowly. Building on her earlier publication Shaky Ground (Stubborn Material), Rumping also explores the concept of “stubborn material,” and how it manifests in Amsterdam’s public space. Finally, a conversation takes place between Key and Rumping regarding their fellowships and their shared interest in the persistence of bodies and practices within systems of control. Key’s research will be presented later this summer.
Programme
15:00 Visit to the Floating Gardens, with an introduction by the Vlottenbouwers van Amsterdam (visible from Zeeburgerkade, behind the International Institute of Social History)
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.
Aanmelden
+ Voeg toe aan kalender
- Persoonlijke website van Pennie Key
- Een publiek archief van Radna's audiofragmenten en essays
- Persoonlijke website van Radna
Links
Amsterdam Oost / Artist Talk /
Netwerk
Pennie Key
Kunstenaar
