Session 2: Bodily Violence, Trauma, and the Ethics of Representation with Ronald Ophuis
It is with great pleasure that we invite you to Salon Maxivive, a special evening taking place on 29 May 2026 at the studio of Ronald Ophuis, located at Heining 3 in Amsterdam. The evening will begin at 7:00 PM and conclude at 10:00 PM.
Salon Maxivive is a reciprocal initiative by Nigerian fashion designer and activist Papa Oyeyemi, founder of Maxivive and member of DARKMATTER Collective. What began two years ago as a proposed collaboration has become a shared presentation, and we're bringing it together in a studio salon.
The evening will be a dinner interwoven with a fashion show and exhibition. We will prepare Nigerian jollof rice and expect approximately 100 guests. Drawing from our different networks, the gathering will bring together a diverse and inspiring group of people.
Both Papa Oyeyemi and Ronald Ophuis are affiliated with the Sexually Abused Artists Collective (SAAC), an initiative by Jan Hoek. Some of the works presented during the evening emerged from this context; at the same time, all of the exhibited paintings and fashion designs engage with themes of trauma and conflict.
We are inviting you to create an evening that allows space for exchange about fashion, painting, activism, and the ways personal and societal experiences can be represented. We hope this encounter will lead to new conversations, insights, friendships, and possible collaborations.
Ronald Ophuis’ studio is located on the outskirts of the city, in Amsterdam’s Western Port Area. The venue is somewhat difficult to reach by public transport; from Sloterdijk Station, the journey takes approximately 20 minutes by OV-bike. From Halfweg-Zwanenburg Station, it is about a 30-minute walk through the quiet Spaarnwoude Park. Two shuttle cars will also operate between 6:30 PM and 7:00 PM and between 10:00 PM and 10:30 PM, transporting guests between Halfweg-Zwanenburg Station and Ronald Ophuis’ studio. As organising this evening requires considerable preparation, we would greatly appreciate it if you could let us know in advance whether you will be able to attend. Parking by car is available and convenient, though not free.
This event is made possible thanks to the Creative Industries Fund NL, the Municipality of Amsterdam, the Ronald Ophuis brand, SAAC, and is a co-production between Maxivive and the DARKMATTER Collective.
With thanks and warm regards,
Papa Oyeyemi
Ronald Ophuis