Shadows on the Atlantic

Highway

The exhibition Shadows on the Atlantic Ocean is about the impact of colonial history on people's lives. At sea and on land, then and now.

In the 17th century, the Atlantic Ocean was the motorway of the world. Traders, fishermen, soldiers and colonists from Europe made the crossing by ship. Including from the Netherlands. But the pursuit of profit had major consequences for people and nature in the Atlantic region. The exhibition Shadows on the Atlantic Ocean shows how the history of shipping and colonial violence are inextricably linked. And what impact this had – and still has – on our lives and societies.

Artists

For Shadows on the Atlantic Ocean, Het Scheepvaartmuseum is collaborating with various artists. Their works of art show how colonial history continues to have an impact today. The exhibition features photographs by Lisandro Suriel. Through his images, he explores the shared African identity of the descendants of enslaved people. The artists Atong Atem, Manuwi C Tokai, Robin Hoed and Wouter Pocornie are creating new works especially for Shadows on the Atlantic.

Violence

Shadows on the Atlantic shows how the history of shipping is inextricably linked to colonial violence and the history of slavery. With this permanent exhibition, Het Scheepvaartmuseum anchors this connection in its permanent collection.