What do science and art have to say to each other? In a series of conversations, Bonnefanten, in collaboration with Studium Generale, sets out to explore this question. Where the artist meets the scientist.

Art and science. They seem like two completely different worlds, impossible to reconcile. Art is expressive and instinctive. Science is the opposite: it is factual and seeks universally applicable theories. Emotion versus reason. Creativity versus logic. But are these worlds really so different? Can they coexist and lead to something new and exciting? This will be explored in a series of conversations.
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Artist Sanne Vaassen
The exhibition Four times Two showcases half a century of art from the Bonnefanten Collection (1965–2015). Each room displays work by four artists. Their works are very different. It is up to the visitor to make the connection and discover what links the artworks to each other and to the viewer. Two works by artist Sanne Vaassen are on display. Her work deals with themes such as ecology, geography, history and anthropology and can be admired both at home and abroad.

Scientist Roy Erkens
Vaassen talks to Roy Erkens, a plant biologist affiliated with Maastricht University. He studies patterns in plant diversity within the neotropical region and Europe, thereby contributing to a better understanding of the evolution and distribution of biodiversity.

The meeting
In the conversation, we look at both their fascination with nature and how they approach it. How does this differ, how do they explore nature and what are the (hoped-for) results?
Rob van Duijn, head of Studium Generale Maastricht, is the moderator.

The exhibition Four times Two: Half a century of art from the collection. Full of new connections is on veiw until June 14, 2026.

Date
Sunday January 11, 2026

Where
Auditorium, Bonnefanten

Language
Dutch

Admission
Free admission on presentation of a valid admission ticket. Did you know that we offer student discounts? An admission ticket for students costs €11,00.

Registration

You can register using the button below.

The series of conversations “Artist meets Scientist” is organised in collaboration with: