Adam Parker Smith's sculpture Thinking of You, candy-like heart artwork in Amsterdam exhibition

Adam Parker Smith in Amsterdam

Contemporary Artist

Well, it’s no laughing matter. The New York-based prankster and sculptor Adam Parker Smith has a reputation for making art that challenges the laws of gravity.

By using a universal symbol of celebration, Smith takes a Pop-minded stab at consumer culture. They look just like the balloons from a carnival…but not everything is as it seems. The heavy sculptures of Adam Parker Smith are covered with thick layers of car paint to give them a hyperrealistic look. With a needle-sharp focus, Smith improves this recognizable object to give us a feeling of everlasting happiness.

Adam Parker Smith questions our reason for celebration with party favors filled with satire. His contemporary series is technical and conceptual.

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The artist puts a collection of balloons in uncomfortable situations, and with airy contemporary ridiculousness, he uses these celebratory shapes to express his undying love for comedy. Once fleeting symbols of joy, now become heavyweight sculptures with no expiration date.

Take a walk in the Moco Garden of Amsterdam and experience Thinking of You by Adam Parker Smith. Between two massive blocks of Carrara marble – one of the most expensive materials in the world – a sweet, innocent-looking balloon gets sandwiched, but not deflated. How on earth?! Actually, the contemporary sculptor Smith dedicates his entire practice to giving shape to some of the world’s most unbelievable contrasts.

A Thinking of You balloon is a sweet gesture we typically gift to those who are ill or recovering. However, this thoughtful act becomes immortal after it’s turned into a monument – one that withstands the test of time.

Exhibiting artists include

Andy Warhol

Modern Artist
Beanfield by Banksy showing riot police skipping through a green field at Moco Museum Amsterdam

Banksy

Contemporary Artist
Basquiat’s Figure Portfolio, expressive crowned figure in bold colors, on view in Amsterdam.

Jean-Michel Basquiat

Modern Artist
Keith Haring’s Retrospect, grid of colorful dancing figures and symbols, on view in Amsterdam.

Keith Haring

Modern Artist
Kusama's pixel lightbox artwork in dark exhibition space at Moco Museum Amsterdam.

Yayoi Kusama

Modern Artist
Marina Abramovic with Kim, founder of Moco Museum, during her visit to Moco Museum Amsterdam. TIME magazine mirror artwork by Mungo Thomson with visitors posing at Moco Museum Amsterdam. Visitors admiring vibrant floral digital room at Moco Museum Amsterdam. Colorful Takashi Murakami sculptures displayed at Moco Museum Amsterdam. Large Takashi Murakami artwork featuring Mickey Mouse at Moco Museum Amsterdam. Banksy’s graffiti of a soldier with a smiley face mask and red paint at Moco Museum Amsterdam

Reviews

  • Rated 4.5/5
    6M+ visitors worldwide
  • Allegra P.
    I visited the museum for the second time. This time, it was richer in artworks, and the temporary exhibition by Robbie Williams really made a difference, raising strong awareness around the topic of mental health. It’s an exhibition that sparks a lot of reflection on current issues.
  • Theo C.
    Enjoyed this museum more than I expected. Definitely worth the visit and experience. It's not huge, but it is immersive in parts and contemporary art is inspiring. Go, check it out.
  • Laura B.
    The museum was spectacular! I highly recommend it – it's incredible. The girl at the reception was super friendly, and the museum features a great variety of artists.

Practical Information

  • Open Hours

    Monday – Sunday: 09:00 – 20:00

  • Duration

    Approximately 60 minutes.

  • Location

    Honthorststraat 20, Amsterdam (Museum Square). Get directions via this link.

  • Contact

    Do you have a question? Click here to chat with us (available Monday-Friday from 10:00 – 16:00)
    Or email us at [email protected].
    For all other inquiries see here.

  • Audio Guide

    Don’t forget to bring your headphones to access the free audio tour.

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Media Reviews

  • Condé Nast Traveler
    This edgy contemporary art venue boasts an impressively large Banksy collection.
  • Tripadvisor
    With a surprise at every corner and colourful, immersive art installations, Moco Museum is the perfect place to visit with family, and equally the perfect place to visit with friends.
  • Amsterdam Local Gems
    Personal experiences can vary, but many visitors find the museum surprisingly engaging. The atmosphere is relaxed, making it a great spot for both art aficionados and those just looking to enjoy something different.

“I feel like so many of my ideas start out as jokes, for better or worse.”

Adam Parker Smith

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Open until 20:00
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