Stairway to...?

Ladders and stairs are made for one purpose: to span heights. Their simple shapes and clean lines make them not only practical, but often visually appealing. They literally take us up and down, but also symbolize growth, change and ambition. Sometimes we quietly climb step by step, sometimes we stumble, and sometimes we just look for a way out.

Ladders are more than a tool or a metaphor for success. They tell the story of transformation and of the human quest between the earthly and the higher. They appear often in myths and stories, such as Jacob's ladder, which depicts the connection between man and the divine. The social ladder shows how people try to move forward, often with bumps and opportunities along the way. We also know the escalation and de-escalation ladder, which show how small steps in the right or wrong direction have major consequences for relationships and conflicts. And then there is the escape ladder: a symbol of hope and new beginnings.

This family exhibition featuring more than 30 artists reveals how ladders and stairs have continued to inspire artists and designers for generations. The reason for the exhibition is the war memorial 'The Ladder' by Armando.