Meneer Malasch is not your average art gallery

Mar 22, 2012 | by Ciaran | Art

About the author

The name's Ciaran, a 27-year-old guy who loves the idea of a discovery, even if it actually isn't one. Among many other Sherlock Holmes adventures, searching for art and music is what keeps me going. High Five!

Shielding from the rain, we stopped by at a gallery on the corner of Postjesweg and the Witte de Withstraat. I always remembered this place being called Meneer de Wit, but it now goes by the name Meneer Malasch. With the current exhibition The Invention of L.A. Art filling the walls, we were treated to a fantastic lunch catered for by the local butchers and bakers in the area.

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Art laboratory

“We’re an art laboratory, not your average gallery,” explains owner Rob Malasch while slicing open the garlic chicken breast bought at the Islamic butcher down the street. This spot seems to have developed into an alternative party location. With past events hosted by Aangebrand and Boris & Boris, this is a good place to check out for that one-off launch event. “I want this place to be a unique brand, a place where you never know what you’re going to encounter.”

Art always has been and always will be about money.

After a long and interesting conversation (although some might say discussion) about what art really evolves around, we came to the conclusion that “art always has been and always will be about money,” as Rob states. I guess I have to let go of my idealistic ideas and succumb to the fact that a true art lover with very little money, will never own the true art he loves, but admire it from outside the window of a money maker.

Nevertheless, what started out as an empty space on the Lauriergracht, selling work of some artistic friends, has now brought Meneer Malasch to the spot he is now. With a huge network of international acquaintances, he is a man loved throughout the neighbourhood. Every six weeks there’s something new in store, but Rob only hangs up work that he truly believes in, so you’re definitely in for a treat. March 24th is the next opening in the line-up, presenting the exposition The Storage, an expression of creative talent.