The story behind Root Gallery
A space for contemporary art and collaboration
This is Root Gallery
Founded in 2018 by Yvonne de Jong, Root Gallery is a contemporary art gallery focused on long-term collaboration with emerging and mid-career artists.
Located in a former dike building from the early 1900s in Krimpen aan de Lek, the gallery presents a changing exhibition programme across painting, sculpture, photography and mixed media. The upper floor is dedicated to temporary exhibitions, while the lower floor brings together works by the gallery’s artists in an ongoing presentation.
Rather than working with a large and constantly changing roster, Root Gallery develops lasting relationships with a focused group of artists. Many of them have been connected to the gallery for years. Their practices differ in medium and approach, but share a strong sense of authorship, material awareness and conceptual depth.
Alongside exhibitions, the gallery works closely with artists on presentations for art fairs, private collections, corporate collections and site-specific projects. Root Gallery regularly participates in fairs including Art Rotterdam, PAN Amsterdam and Enter Art Fair.
Our roster includes both emerging and mid-career artists:
Noah Arends, Donald Schenkel, Vera Klaus, Sophie de Vos, Madelon Uljee, Saïd Kinos, Jan Theun van Rees, Lisette Schumacher, Freerk Wilbers, and Karen van de Vliet.
Root Gallery is built around attention, trust and the belief that meaningful artistic practices develop over time.
Events & Community
At Root Gallery, exhibitions are not limited to the opening alone. Throughout the year, the gallery organises a programme of events that creates space for conversation, connection and a closer experience of the artworks and artists behind them.
Every six weeks, a new exhibition opens with an opening event where visitors can meet the artists and experience the works within the context of the gallery space. Alongside these exhibitions, Root Gallery regularly hosts smaller and more informal gatherings, including artist talks, private viewings, studio visits, collector events and guided tours.
These moments bring together artists, collectors, architects, design professionals and visitors with a growing interest in contemporary art. Rather than large-scale public events, the focus lies on personal exchange, direct encounters and taking time to engage with the work.
Several events take place in collaboration with the artists themselves, offering visitors insight into their process, materials and ongoing research. From conversations inside the gallery to visits to artists’ studios, Root Gallery aims to create an accessible and welcoming environment around contemporary art.
The gallery also participates in international art fairs and collaborates on cultural initiatives throughout the year, creating ongoing opportunities for artists and visitors to connect beyond the exhibition space.
Commitment to Fair Practice
Root Gallery adheres to the Fair Practice Code of the Dutch Gallery Association, emphasizing transparency, integrity, and collaboration. We maintain direct relationships with our artists and collectors, ensuring that any decisions impacting an artist’s career are made in close consultation with them. Through ongoing dialogue with artists, partners, and clients, we build strong, long-lasting relationships that benefit the contemporary art ecosystem.
Read more about our commitment to Fair Practice here.
Our website and social media channels offer behind-the-scenes insights into our programming, in-depth information on available artworks, and updates on our artists’ latest developments. Whether you are an art collector, curator, or enthusiast, we provide exclusive access to high-quality contemporary art.
Solo exhibition Sophie de Vos
2018 – The Beginning
Root Gallery opened its doors with its first exhibition, Time Is All I've Got, a solo presentation by Sophie de Vos. The gallery was originally located in a former retail space in Rotterdam Noord, an area known for its creative energy.
2021 – A New Challenge in Rotterdam West
In 2021, Root Gallery moved to a new location in the former cinema hall of the old city archive in Rotterdam West. The scale of the venue allowed for the presentation of monumental artworks and immersive exhibitions, pushing the boundaries of what was possible in a gallery space. The first exhibition at this location, Moving, a solo show by Freerk Wilbers, set the tone for a period of ambitious projects and large-scale installations.
Solo exhibition Freerk Wilbers
Solo exhibition Lisette Schumacher
2024 – A New Home
In 2024, Root Gallery relocated to a historic early 1900s dike building in Krimpen aan de Lek. Following an extensive renovation, the gallery reopened as a two-floor space for contemporary art, combining the character of the original building with a calm and open exhibition environment.
The upper floor is dedicated to temporary exhibitions that change every six weeks, while the lower level presents a broader selection of works by the gallery’s artists.
Our artists
Root Gallery works with a small group of contemporary artists whose practices are thoughtful, consistent, and always evolving. Many have been part of the gallery for years. Their work reflects a deep engagement with materials, form and meaning. The work is developed with dedication, and driven by curiosity and ambition.
We represent artists who take their practice seriously. Who are willing to take risks, push their work forward, and keep asking questions, visually and conceptually. Our collaboration goes beyond exhibitions: we support research, new directions, and the development of ambitious projects across locations and contexts.
Discover their work on our Artists Page.
Explore more about Root Gallery
The story behind Root Gallery → Read about the origins of our name
Visit Root Gallery → Plan your visit or contact us
Upcoming exhibitions & art fairs → See our calendar
Meet our artists → Explore their work
Discover available artworks → Browse our collection
