From 18 September, the exhibition Hella de Jonge – Closer to Their Souls will be on display at the Dutch Resistance Museum Amsterdam.
In 2020, Hella de Jonge returned to painting. Her work became a search for the Jewish relatives she never knew. Her parents survived the Second World War in hiding, while almost their entire family was murdered. At home, this history was rarely discussed.
In her paintings, De Jonge links her family history to contemporary themes. Images from recent wars merge with memories of the Second World War. Her work also explores refugees, the oppression of women and the consequences of war for children.
The exhibition comprises 37 recent paintings and two sculptures. De Jonge also incorporates fabrics and elements from earlier costumes and sculptures into her paintings.
From 18 September 2026
Dutch Resistance Museum Amsterdam