Exhibition "Art from the cachot" in Fort Vuren

A special exhibition featuring work by painter Reyer Murman (1908-1981) opens at Fort Vuren on 16 May. The exhibition not only brings together his paintings, but also tells the impressive story behind their creation: art made during detention, just after World War II.

Murman, son of painter Goos Murman, lived and worked in Geldermalsen for most of his leven . He painted hundreds of river and polder landscapes around the river Linge, capturing the characteristic Betuwe landscape, as well as places like Woudrichem and Gorinchem.

After the liberation in May 1945, Fort Vuren was given a new function as "Bewarings- en verblijfskamp Fort bij Vuren": a temporary prison for about 500 so-called 'wrong Dutchmen'. On 17 May 1945, Ferdinand Haijemaije was appointed commander. Under his leadership, inmates were given the opportunity to continue their craft.

Murman, who was a member of the Dutch Culture Chamber during the war, was interned in Fort Vuren after the liberation. During his detention, he continued to paint. His work from this period forms the core of the exhibition and shows how creativity and craftsmanship persist even under difficult circumstances.

Thanks to the efforts of Stichting Kunst en Cultuur West Betuwe, this exhibition has come about. Several paintings and reproductions from the period around 1945 and after can be seen in the "Petit Musée" of Fort Vuren .

The exhibition will open on 16 May with a programme from 13:30, including an opening word, a commentary on the content and live music by Trio Pearlgrey. The official opening ceremony will be performed by Mia Haijemaije.

The exhibition can then be visited until the end of June, from Wednesday to Sunday between 10am and 8pm.