With the exhibition Diamonds Are Forever at the OLVG, Erik Alkema brings his tapestries back to the hospital, the place that inspired him to create them.

During the corona pandemic, artist Erik Alkema was told he had cancer. During the period that followed, he created an impressive series of tapestries, depicting waiting rooms, operating rooms and nursing wards. Spaces that witnessed his most miserable and vulnerable moments.

During his illness, Alkema realised how few tools, rituals and language our society offers to process illness and other losses. We give ourselves very little time to deal with intense moments. He sees that as a major shortcoming.

In order to get a grip on everything he experienced, Erik decided to visualise his story himself. With a sewing machine, he ‘drew’ scenes from his illness with fleece fabric. Stitch by stitch, he recorded what he felt and saw – a gentle, almost meditative way to give his experiences a place.

In conversation with Alkema
On Thursday 22 May, Erik Alkema will talk to fellow patients. They will exchange experiences about how to deal with a serious illness and how to pick up your life afterwards. This conversation will take place in the Onze Lieve Vrouwe Kapel OLVG Oost between 5 and 6 pm. The OLVG choir will also perform. Admission is free.

Diamonds Are Forever, May 1 to June 1, in the hallway to the Chapel of Our Lady in the OLVG, East location