August 24, 2009 (Press-release) Final Manifestation Bernard Coulon at Manifesta Maastricht Manifesta Maastricht’s fourth exhibition: a true manifestation Saturday, September 12th, Jakomijn Y. Kersten proudly presents the last exhibition of French-born artist Bernard Coulon. ‘I was so impressed by his work,  I could not let this chance go by.’ Coulon, a Parisian artist, died last year in Lille, his place of residence. What is left behind, is an indelible trace, a confrontation in time, captured in fragments. His glass pillars and paintings are like a musical score, poems materialised in lost writings and signs; the silent tracks of ever: ‘Les Signes Perdus’.  His oeuvre, according to Jakomijn, can compete with the truly great art forms, the ones that possess importance, and it’s safe to say it has succeeded in its quest, in its efforts to reveal our fleeting existence. Bernard Coulon’s silent witnesses are an oasis of calm in our hectic times. ‘Being able to organise this final manifestation of Bernard Coulon’s work, fills me with immense pride.’ May 5, 2009 (Press-release) Third exhibition Manifesta Maastricht: Kees Verkade Solo   Internationally famed sculptor Kees Verkade opens his solo exhibition on May 16th at 17:00, where his bronzes, gouaches and silkscreens will be shown at Manifesta Maastricht, which has earned itself a prominent position in Limburg’s capital.   Jakomijn Y. Kersten, owner and founder of Manifesta Maastricht: ‘I am so grateful Verkade was willing to put his works on display in my gallery. It’s good not only for Manifesta Maastricht, but also for the city.’ For the new gallery owner Jakomijn, who seeks not to be tied to specific artistic trends or periods, Verkade’s agreement to do the show, is a great chance to confirm what she meens. Over the years, Verkade has established his name as a sculptor in The Netherlands and abroad. This solo exhibition features 28 bronze sculptures, among which two lifesizes, and a large amount of gouaches and silkscreens. Three days after the exhibition opening, Her Majesty Queen Beatrix unveils Kees Verkade’s statues of Princess Juliana and Prince Bernhard, which he created at Royal assignment. March 8, 2009 (Press-release) Museological atmosphere at Manifesta Maastricht   Manifesta Maastricht’s second exhibition surprised all visitors with a huge collection of Russian Icons from the 17th to the19th century.   Earlier, new Gallery owner Jakomijn Y. Kersten had organised a provocative opening exhibition with Rik Vermeersch’ confronting nudes and delicate SAAR ArtWear jewellery.    This time, she shows an impressive collection of Russian Icons. One of the top pieces are the Royal Doors from Simon Ushakov’s workshop at the 17th century Kremlin.   Art historian M.A. Mr. Desirée Krikhaar: ‘Numerous Icons that are for sale at Manifesta Maastricht could easily pass the test for the high level guaranteed by renowned Art Fair such as the TEFAF.’ The ever-popular Russian orthodox splendour can be purchased from Maastricht’s newest art gallery, at Brusselsestraat 30.   Doors open daily until March, between 11:00 - 19:00. December 3, 2008 (Press-release) Manifesta Maastricht  On December 14, 2008, Manifesta Maastricht’s inauguration festivities made a start with a playful consecration by Father Kurris of Our Holy Mother’s Church in Maastricht. In rhythmic verse, Roel Richelieu van Londersele, official poet of the city Ghent, commented on Rik Vermeersch’ art. After welcoming everyone affectionately, Jakomijn Y. Kersten gave a verbal explanation of  SAAR ArtWear’s wonderful jewellery. The savoury four course dinner was prepared by Royal Catering Vught. At Manifesta Maastricht’s opening exhibition, Rik Vermeersch’ terrifying meagre female nudes are positioned as symbolic opposites to the near-perfect applied ArtWear by Saar van Leusden. The direction where Maastricht’s new Salon d’art is heading, is made perfectly clear: two contrasting art forms have been succesfully united at the meeting place that Manifesta Maastricht has set off to become.