The Cake Is a Lie

Artists today find themselves in an unenviable position. In the eyes of the mainstream public there is no need for them to exist, and meanwhile they also have to navigate the increasingly complex minefield of political correctness. It all leaves little space for unique visions, surprises and provocations. We live in a society that is risk averse, that puts people in boxes. It seems we are supposed to stay in the box that was assigned to us and not reach out to each other – certainly not challenge each other, because that would be really uncomfortable. Identity politics arose out of a desire to connect, but if identity politics is the only prism through which we view the world then all we will have is tunnel vision.

From 30 October 2024 until 12 January 2025, the exhibition The Cake Is a Lie offers glimpses into the playful and original thinking that artists use – in sometimes annoying, confusing or confronting ways – to focus on the political, ecological and technological conditions that define our world. Artists were selected not just for their critique of Big Tech or hyper-capitalist appropriation and extraction, but first and foremost for their sense of engagement with the world around them, for their radical approaches, and for the ambiguity they allow themselves.

In The Cake is a Lie, artists respond to major issues, using their individuality and original voice to claim a free space for art in society. We are making a stand for artists who dare to manifest their social and political commitment in multi-layered or even civilly disobedient ways. The Cake is a Lie presents raw and uncensored perspectives on a world that is on fire.

This exhibition is curated by Ine Gevers (Niet Normaal, Come Alive, Fake Me Hard, Robot Love, Hacking Habitat) and Arjon Dunnewind (IMPAKT).

Opening times during holidays:

• Tuesday 24 December: Closed
• Wednesday 25 December: Closed
• Thursday 26 December: Closed
• 27 until 29 December: Open (12:00 – 18:00)
• Tuesday 31 December: Closed
• Wednesday 1 Januari: Closed
• Thursday 2 Januari: Open (12:00 – 18:00)