1 november 2024 – 2 february 2025

Who's church is it

Over several years, artist and researcher Krien Clevis followed six Leiden churches as they underwent a transition: the Hartebrug Church, Sint Josephkerk (St Joseph's), Sint Lodewijkskerk (St Louis'), Antoniuskerk (Antonius Church), Sint Petruskerk (St Peter's) and Maria Middelares Church (Church of Mary, Mediatrix of All Graces). These are being restored, renovated, rebuilt or refurbished. One is being repurposed or demolished. With camera and microphone, Clevis followed the sweeping process of managing and preserving, of loss, hope and future. This process is about more than buildings and faith. It touches directly the emotions of communities.

This research has culminated in a multimedia image, light and sound installation in the Church of St Peter entitled The Annunciation; in a magazine; and in two interventions in Museum De Lakenhal. Clevis presents a wall piece in the museum comprising a photograph and texts, which draw attention to Leiden parishioners and their voices. On the third floor of the museum she has also added an artistic interpretation of the interior of the clandestine Catholic church, which became part of the museum in 1926. The magazine is for sale in the museum shop.

The exhibition The Annunciation in Sint Petruskerk (Church of St Peter) Leiden will be on show from 1 November til 2 February 2025.

Thanks to

The project was commissioned by the Parish Council of HH Petrus en Paulus and developed in close cooperation with parishioners, Erfgoed Leiden en Omstreken and Museum De Lakenhal. With financial support from Mondriaan Fonds, Fonds 1818, Gemeente Leiden, Rijksdienst voor het Cultureel Erfgoed (Programma Toekomst Religieus Erfgoed), Fonds voor Cultuurparticipatie, Provincie Zuid-Holland, Cultuurfonds (Zuid-Holland) en de Mr. Paul de Gruyter Stichting.