The Hero, the Villain and the Truth

Folkert de Jong

In The Hero, the Villain and the Truth, artist Folkert de Jong (NL, 1972) presents his life-size human figures made from insulating materials such as polystyrene and polyurethane foam, arranged in an innovative theatrical display.

24 June - 16 November 2025

Exhibition space 5

By reimagining historical and contemporary figures, such as Martin Luther, Jesus and Mary, Snoop Dogg, and Queen Wilhelmina, De Jong shows how each era rewrites the past in its own image. His work feels especially relevant today, as ongoing debates around racism, gender identity, and colonialism continue to challenge the way history is passed down.

Folkert de Jong, Pirate, 2018. Foto Aad Hoogendoorn

Folkert de Jong - De held de schurk en de waarheid. Foto Michel Claus

The Hero, the Villain and the Truth is an initiative by curator Johan Idema, developed in collaboration with Folkert de Jong and exhibition designers Brandwacht & Meijer. The exhibition has previously been shown at BRUTUS in Rotterdam, Kunstfort in Vijfhuizen, the Chassé Theater in Breda, Kunstlinie in Almere, and Museum de Fundatie in Zwolle.

Artworks

Folkert de Jong, Pirate, 2018. Foto Aad Hoogendoorn

Folkert de Jong, Black left hand player, 2008. Foto Tomek Dersu Aaron

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