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Where Light Dances: An Exhibition to Experience

By Tom Rietveld, shortened version

At Galerie De Molen, located in the historic Windlust windmill, the exhibition “Where Light Dances” is currently on display—a poetic title that perfectly captures what visitors experience. During the opening, chairman Otto Altmann of Kunstgroep Wassenaar invited the audience not only to look, but above all to truly experience.

Light plays the leading role here. As Altmann described it, light acts as a guide, a storyteller, and sometimes even the main character. In the works of three artists—Elize Roelofse, Germa Cornelissen, and Lisanne Tettero—light takes on different meanings. It reflects, disappears, and reappears; it shapes space and evokes emotion. This exhibition asks for attention and slowing down; it is not a quick viewing experience, but an invitation to observe with intention. At each painting, visitors can access the story behind the work via QR codes, deepening the experience.

Although each artist has a distinct style, a clear cohesion emerges. In Elize Roelofse’s work, movement carries a deep emotional charge. Her paintings depict dancers— inspired by young people from South African townships— as symbols of hope, resilience, and freedom. In her work, beauty arises precisely from vulnerability. She also connects her art to a social purpose: part of the proceeds supports the Rhythm of Hope program, which helps young people through dance and personal development.

Germa Cornelissen places light and glass at the center. Her sculptures, built from existing glass objects, continuously change under the influence of light. What appears fragile proves to be both powerful and dynamic. Her so-called “re-creations,” composed of vintage glass pieces, demonstrate how light can shape space and perception.

Lisanne Tettero brings a tranquil world to life through her paintings. Her work moves between abstraction and realism, often featuring animals that convey calmness and inner strength. She invites the viewer to pause in a busy world. Her recent bird series, inspired by species found in the Netherlands, adds a new perspective.

What makes this exhibition special is its layered nature—not only visually, but also conceptually. The combination of technique, emotion, and narrative ensures that visitors do more than just look; they discover, feel, and reflect.

Altmann’s words linger: take your time, look—and look again. “Where Light Dances” is an exhibition where stillness and movement meet, where the fleeting becomes tangible, and where you learn to see differently.

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