Box Bar A

Box Bar A is a collaborative project by Arno Coenen and Iris Roskam, developed as part of the campaign ART-on-a-BOX to promote Amsterdam worldwide as a container port and international logistics hub. For the exterior of the container, Arno Coenen used existing photographs from the Port of Amsterdam, which he transformed into his signature visual language through printed collages.

During its presentation at the Amsterdam Uitmarkt in 2007, the interior of the container was transformed by Iris Roskam into a quintessentially cozy harbor pub — complete with cold draft beer and warm meatballs for visitors. After the Uitmarkt, the containers were put to use for regular transport, quite literally traveling across the globe.

The project was commissioned by the Port of Amsterdam, in collaboration with Bureau Eindeloos – Loes Schepens. Mothership acted as curator and producer of the project, overseeing its coordination and execution.