Tops and Flops

TOPS

My studio

“I graduated in 1982 and asked a municipal employee if the city had a workspace available for me. What is now called Stichting Ateliers Maastricht (SAM) had just acquired the old boys' school on Pastoor Kribsweg. The employee said: ‘Why don't you go there?’” Today, Han shares the building with five other artists. “We have an amazing place to work.”

Maastricht's cultural institutions

“The more, the better.” Without wanting to underestimate any of the city's other cultural venues, Han has a special place in his heart for the Bonnefanten Museum. “That's where my partner, freelance photographer Pascale Leenders, worked when we first met.”

Dutch Dance Days

“I'm happy this festival takes place in Maastricht.” Han loves the large mirrored dance tent on the Vrijthof and appreciates that it is open and accessible. “I enjoy dancing and watching contemporary dance. Especially performances by Nederlands Dans Theater (NDT) 1 and 2. They're always impressive.”

Carnival 

“I love Carnival.” Han makes his own colourful costumes every year. “Once I even appeared in a national newspaper wearing one of my creations. I was completely wrapped in tape printed with the slogan I ❤ left-wing hobbies, including a protest sign.”

Small and independent places

Han enjoys businesses with a personal touch rather than large chains. His favourites include Bookshop De Tribune, Café De Pieter, Café Zondag, Bar Brutal, DAO House of Slow, Limestone Books, and the online platform Alma Archive. “I like small-scale places run by passionate people.”

Sint Pietersberg

“When things aren't going well in the studio, I go for a walk.” His favourite route takes him across Sint Pietersberg towards Kanne. “It clears my head every time.”

The naturist beach at Hoge Weerd

“A paradise for naturists.” Han enjoys swimming in natural water and spending time outdoors. “There's something wonderful about swimming peacefully in nature.”

Plateaukunst 

Every year, Han looks forward to Plateaukunst, an art route just across the border near Gasthuis. “You shouldn't miss it. It's close enough to cycle there from Maastricht.”

FLOPS

Events surrounded by fences

“Those events often focus on people with deep pockets.” Han misses festivals such as Boulevard of Broken Dreams, where everyone could join in. “There were no fences and it felt open to everybody.”

The city centre at weekends

Traffic queues, crowded car parks and busy shopping streets are not his favourite things. “Sometimes it feels like Amsterdam.”

Food culture

According to Han, good international and vegan dining options are still limited. “Apart from places like Sam's and Bar Verde, Maastricht remains very focused on the traditional Burgundian kitchen: meat and fries.”

Tolerance

Han worries that society is becoming less tolerant. “The gap between rich and poor keeps growing, and that affects everyone.”