zandbank



[EN] is an arts criticism platform rooted in Groningen, NL. We believe in slow reflection, in sustainable criticism, and the power of extensive contemplations and considerations - and wish to move away from "actuality" and rushed writings.

Currently, we are facilitating the production and spreading of art texts and entering several archives for republications.

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[NL] is een kunst-kritiek-platform geworteld in Groningen, NL. We geloven in langzame reflectie, in duurzame kritiek, en de kracht van uitgebreide overpeinzingen en overwegingen - en wensen weg te bewegen van "actualiteiten" en gehaaste teksten.

Op het moment faciliteren wij de productie en verspreiding van kunst-discursieve teksten; Aan de andere kant duiken wij in de archieven voor herpublicaties.

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This site is continually in process, and will be expanded over time. We are always interested in contributions or proposals, which can be mailed to platform.zandbank[at]gmail.com.

part of Issue 01

Introduction

Dinnis van Dijken & Michiel Teeuw


WELCOME to zandbank issue #01. Rooted in Groningen, zandbank is a platform dedicated to slow reflection, sustainable criticism, and the value of thoughtful engagement. In contrast to the urgency of fast-paced commentary, Issue offers a deliberate space for critical exploration and dialogue. Currently, we are facilitating the production and spreading of art texts and entering several archives for republications. This magazine is one of zandbank’s channels of expression, alongside zandbank.org, exhibitions and events.

For this first edition, we invited artists, curators, and writers to contribute texts without imposing thematic constraints. What emerged was a network of interconnected ideas touching on SF, ecology, technology, ethics, and other contemporary concerns. These recurring themes reveal shared preoccupations and perspectives shaped by today’s cultural and technological landscapes. Throughout 2025, the texts in this magazine will also be published digitally on zandbank.org, with read-out-loud versions and image descriptions.

The magazine’s development reflects our commitment to collaborative practice. Through a series of group feedback sessions, contributors engaged in an open, non-hierarchical exchange of ideas. By forgoing a traditional top-down editorial approach, we aimed to foster critical engagement that is collective rather than prescriptive.

The magazine serves as both a platform and a provocation, encouraging readers to engage critically and deeply with the ideas presented here. With a slow and thoughtful way of writing also comes an invitation to the reader, to take the time to digest this collection of texts.

Enjoy reading,

Dinnis van Dijken & Michiel Teeuw - 2025