Amsterdam today appears to be a city of freedom, but beneath the surface lie stories that were long suppressed. In this new exhibition, Régis Gonçalves brings a hidden history into view: the persecution of men suspected of sodomy in the eighteenth century.
Between 1730 and 1810, hundreds of men disappeared into the basement cells of the Rasphuis. Far from public sight, imprisoned in so-called “secret chambers.” Through a series of powerful fictional portraits of men imprisoned for life, Régis evokes a compelling image of forgotten queer history. An artistic act of remembrance for those who were forced to remain invisible.
In the spring of 2025, Régis Gonçalves presented his exhibition Floralia at WG Kunst in Amsterdam. The works in this exhibition were an ode to bloom, growth, and change. The title refers to a Roman spring festival in honor of Flora, the goddess of flowers and the new season. Like the festival itself, the exhibition was colorful and vibrant.
Where earlier exhibitions by Régis were often socially charged, Floralia centered primarily on a sense of wonder. The exhibition did not ask for explanation but invited visitors to look and to feel. Those who lingered longer also perceived something fragile in the works. The flowers and portraits symbolized more than spring or celebration. In their own way, they raised questions about change, loss, and what remains.
The Conscious Cook is not an ordinary cookbook. It is a colorful and personal book in which art, sustainability, and food come together. Régis invites the reader into his world of flavors, memories, and ideas. Each recipe is meant to be tasted and reflected upon.
This English-language book is filled with Brazilian recipes, stories, and images. It is beautifully designed and makes a thoughtful gift. You can read it, look through it, or use it in the kitchen. An inspiring book for anyone who loves art and cooking.
Please get in thouch regarding availability or a signed copy. The book is also available during exhibitions and workshops by Régis Gonçalves.
Régis Gonçalves was born in Brazil. He currently lives and works in the Netherlands. His artistic practice is rooted in personal narratives and research into themes such as identity, migration, colonial history, and spirituality. He creates paintings, installations, and textile works that reflect his life between different cultures. He often works with natural pigments and reused materials. This choice reflects how he views the world and his place within it.
Régis studied at the Gerrit Rietveld Academie and obtained a master’s degree in Artistic Research at the University of Amsterdam. His work has been shown in the Netherlands, Brazil, Ghana, Portugal, and the United Arab Emirates. His artworks are held in various collections, including those of public institutions and hospitals. Alongside his artistic practice, he is active as a teacher and workshop facilitator. He invites people to give form to their own stories and images.
