From December 16 till March 7th 2010 a major art exhibition took place that allowed a large audience to experience different works  at the Beurs van Berlage in Amsterdam. The exhibition, entitled: Niet Normaal * Difference on Display, featured the work of internationally renowned artists who in their work address a defining question of our time: what is normal and who decides? 

Even as technology and progress generate new opportunities for people of all sorts, shapes and sizes, we seem to be striving to become ever more uniform. The market and the media increasingly determine how we look at ourselves and at each other. Perfection is the norm. 

What is this norm, and who actually satisfies it? Where do we draw the line? At a facial wrinkle, a depression, at someone who isn’t interested in getting ahead, at a visible prosthetic device, taking pills to improve intelligence, at major cosmetic surgery? 

Science, games and design were featured, and there was a separate movie theater. In addition, performances, discussions, film screenings, lectures and parties were held. The exhibition and parallel programming engaged, confronted and offered alternative perspectives. Rebellion and humor alternated. Art and science came together to confront urgent questions facing today’s society. 

Niet Normaal was ambitious and prestigious. This international project has a mission, is of a high artistic quality, and was directed toward a wide audience. Niet Normaal stresses education, outreach and accessibility, and collaborated with SKOR, Waag Society, Kunstenaars & Co, film festivals and debating centers in Amsterdam, Rotterdam and other major cities. Design of the exhibition was executed by Concern. 

Courtesy photographs concern website