Photo exposition Schot in de Roos

Hembrug into view as the heart of the defense line of Amsterdam.

Making a clandestine relationship visible.

Landscape, security and the beauty and tragedy of the decay are the main themes of the exhibition route ‘Schot in de Roos’. This route brings together the Defense Line of Amsterdam, the buildings of the former Artillery Institutions and the General Defense Park on the Hembrug terrain. The front of the Defense Line is united with Hembrug as the heart of the Defense Line, bridging the distance of 15 kilometers.

For strategic reasons, the location of the weapons and munitions factory on the terrain is not shown on any Defense Line map. The factory was in business until 2003 and had a strict secrecy policy as part of the Ministry of Defense. The forts of the Defense Line, however, have lost their military function since World War II due to developments in technology and aviation.

Meanwhile, both the forts of the Defense Line of Amsterdam and Hembrug are in the process of redevelopment. The images used in the exhibition ‘Schot in de Roos’ illustrate the emptiness, tranquility and abandonment, where transition is taking shape. Read more about Hembrug as the heart of the Defense Line

Along the exhibition route

Follow the markings on the ground.

Treasure hunt

Hidden letters can be found in the markings on the ground.
Together, these letters form a word.
Follow the exhibition route, collect the letters and find the right word.
Find, search or ask for the meaning of this word.
Send the solution in via the website: www.stellingvanamsterdam.nl/schotinderoos

Nicole Segers

Nicole Segers captures the Defense Line of Amsterdam from a perspective of wellbeing and security. This theme is in line with her previous projects beyond the borders of Europe. Segers alludes to the world around the Defense Line, a world that partially never existed and is partially historical. She sees the Defense Line as a refuge in concrete, steel and grass. It recalls the presence of an enemy standing at the gates of the city. www.nicolesegers.com

Luuk Kramer

Landscape and architectural photographer Luuk Kramer documents the landscape of the Defense Line of Amsterdam where a threat is posed to an enemy that never arrived. He focuses on the cultivated natural landscape. The wall of forts, dikes and sluices embedded in the landscape, discreetly tucked away, but in sight, clearly show they are not to be trifled with. www.luukkramer.nl

Gé Dubbelman

Since the industrial activities of Eurometaal ended in 2003, photographer Gé Dubbelman has regularly visited the Hembrug terrain to capture the beauty and tragedy of the decline, the traces of meanwhile defunct tradition; all this silently embraced by nature. With his camera he follows the demise of the industrial complex for many years until the decline hits rock bottom.

Now, 13 years later, Hembrug is developing rapidly and the full return of industry is only a matter of time. The buildings have a new purpose, they are home to numerous creative activities, but Gé Dubbelman’s monumental photographs are a lasting reminder of the origins of the buildings. www.gedubbelman.nl

The Zaans Museum was founded in 1998 on the Zaanse Schans to guard and preserve the Zaan heritage.

The Hembrug Museum tells the story of the arms and ammunition factory that was located on the Hembrugterrein in Zaandam.

In 1697, the Russian Tsar Peter the Great stayed in this world-famous house in the center of Zaandam.