Jonathan de Zwart is an artist and has held several exhibitions at home and abroad.

Jonathan lives in Graz in Austria and is temporarily in the Netherlands.  Together with six other artists, he currently has an exhibition in the Jan Hanzenstraat 27 in "het konijn The Gallery".  This year he also had an exhibition at the Jan des Bouvrie College during the International Dream Conference 2011. At the invitation of pchooftstraat.nl he is working on some paintings that, it's no surprise, carry the atmosphere in the P.C. Hooftstraat as a theme.

You were invited to the opening of Taschen ...
I likeTaschen very well. The theme and atmosphere of the books fit in very well with my work.

Why?
I am in favor of joy and humor in art. There are plenty of artists around the world who believe that art should contain social criticism. I have no opinion about that, I think that's fine. It fits not with me because I feel that every move you make is your own responsibility. Who or what is society? That is the collective of a number of individuals. I agree with Robert Pfaller, professor of philosophy at the University of Applied Arts in Vienna. He believes that art today is (too) politically correct, does not seduce and has no humor anymore. For Taschen and me temptation, humor and joy are most important.

Did you like the opening?
There were many interesting people who certainly appreciated the festive atmosphere.  The works were admired and the whole was a natural elegance.

What do you mean?
You saw it. All those excellent snacks, appetisers, which were served and Prosecco and Heineken in the ice. The atmosphere was very relaxed and the guests were really interested.

How do you see art in book form?
There will always be a "perfect" public interested. A beautiful photograph in printed version remains always popular. And by taking the highest echelon of interested people through limited editions while also improving the pricing for people who do not possess so many resources this is evidence of a thoughtful strategy. We must not forget that all this is initiated by Benedikt Taschen, by his exquisite taste. Taschen achieved I thought his first major success by publishing the works of one of the best painters of the 19th century, Vincent van Gogh.

Do you have something of Taschen in your possession?
I have ordered several Taschen books in the past. Among those the limited edition of works by Helmut Newton, selected by his widow, June Newton. A book weighing over thirty kilos, with a table specially designed for this book by Philippe Starck included. It has been said to be the most exclusive book of the twentieth century.

Jonathan de Zwart
het konijn The Gallery
Jan Hanzestraat 27 Amsterdam
Opening hours: Thursday - Saturday 12.00 p.m.-17.00 p.m.
Jonathandezwart@gmail.com