From 30 November 2024 to 26 October 2025, the Princessehof National Museum of Ceramics explores the kinship and diversity between species and beings, be they humans, animals, plants or other lifeforms: what connects us? Oracles from Far & Near includes (large) ceramic sculptures and installations, and drawings and batiks by artists with a shared interest in different life forms (both real and imaginary), evolution and resilience. The objects invite us toclimb down from our pedestal and seeka connection with the unknown.

The artists featured in Oracles from Far & Near share an interest in exploring diverse forms of life. On view are existing and new works by Heinze van Dijken (1987-2023, NL), Dan Ernst (1948, SR), Zeger Reyers (1966, NL), Yoann Estevenin (1992, FR), Anemoon Fokkinga (2003, NL), Hannie Terpstra (1929-2022, NL), Pauline Wiertz (1955-2019, NL), Rachel de Joode (1979, NL) and Michel Gouéry (1959, FR).

Anemoon Fokkinga and Rachel de Joode created new works especially for this exhibition. For instance, Fokkinga’s installation is reminiscent of a mangrove swamp swarming with dozens of creatures. Water levels are rising due to climate change and animals have to adapt to survive, resulting in new species, such as the lotus leaf crab she invented. Rachel de Joode creates figures embodying the expressive contours of female forms, based on previous work and generated in dialogue with AI. This is the first time an artwork created with artificial intelligence will be displayed at the Princessehof. Colourful sculptures and works on paper by Heinze van Dijken, who passed away last year, revolve around art, sports, family and fantasy. Dan Ernst exhibits a black pot, an attempt to connect with his ancestors, as well as imaginative batiks in which nature plays the leading role. A powerful, life-size ‘alien’ figure is presented by renowned French sculptor Michel Gouéry. This is the second work acquired by Princessehof from this iconic sculptor. Furthermore, Zeger Reyers’ comic sculptures convey our emotional relationship with dogs as pets. Yoann Estevenin portrays a fantasy world of surreal animals: a double-headed python and a green giraffe with a long neck adorned with jewels. Two series by the late Hannie Terpstra are included in this exhibition. The first is about parasites, while the second is a playful series consisting of (neuro)diverse head portraits. Finally, among the recent acquisitions from the estate of innovative artist Pauline Wiertz is a large still life depicting shiny teal-tinted chicken carcasses and vegetables.