Nelleke Cloosterman in the Collection of the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs

We are proud to share that Nelleke Cloosterman’s work Home-making has been acquired by the Federal Public Service Foreign Affairs (FOD Buitenlandse Zaken) as part of their official art collection. The work was presented in the exhibition HOME during the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union, and is featured prominently in the accompanying publication.

Between 2010 and 2022, the Ministry developed an active acquisition policy focusing on contemporary Belgian art. New works are selected by an external advisory committee and installed in diplomatic residences and embassies around the world.

Home-making brings together different bird species from across the globe in a single tree, referring to the international group of artists Cloosterman studied with at HISK in Ghent. These birds, which would never naturally coexist, form a fragile and symbolic community, touching on themes of migration, home-building and collective belonging. Soap bubbles, a visual nod to the vanitas tradition, add a layer of transience and quiet wonder.

We are pleased to announce that a solo exhibition by Nelleke Cloosterman, titled Between What Is Ours, will be on view at PLUS-ONE Projects from 12 June to 19 July 2025.

Nelleke Cloosterman, Home-making, 2022, Oil on linen, 230 × 190 cm, Collection FPS Foreign Affairs