Joy, anger, sadness, surprise and fear: we are all familiar with them. Emotions influence the way we think, work and live together. But the way we experience and express these emotions is different for us all. In From within, five artists explore five major emotions by borrowing from our collection. What brings them joy? What surprises them? And do you feel the same, or very differently?

Commissioned by the Valkhof Museum, five artists took a deep dive into our collection, each armed with a particular emotion. Starting from the museum’s inner world – and their own – the artists explore human boundaries. What moves them and why? And what does this say about our own boundaries?

Various artefacts from the collection inspired new works of art. Glass sculptures around broken ceramics offer a fresh perspective on trauma and anger. Painting a treasure chamber with friends brings joy. And glass from Afghanistan symbolises sadness, because it has lost the connection with its country of origin. Like the artist herself.

The works in From within are moving, unsettling, comforting and liberating. At times you will experience recognition, at others discomfort. We invite you to observe, experience and question. And to reflect on your own boundaries. Want to know more about the artists and the emotions they are working with? You can read more below.

Nijmegen feels

One of the first things you will notice when visiting From within is the portrait wall. Photographer Robin de Puy has captured 34 people from Nijmegen looking joyous, sad, surprised, angry and scared. Through this series of portraits, she reveals the different forms this can take. While we all experience the same emotions, we often express them differently. Who you are and what has shaped you determines what you show.