Become a member of the Society of the public works of Ruchama Noorda

Visual artist Ruchama Noorda (1979–2024) leaves behind an extensive body of work, a selection of which is featured in her award-winning book As Above So Below (2022, Jap Sam Books). Part of her work can be found in (semi-)public spaces in and around Amsterdam. These Public Works are maintained by the recently established Society for the Public Works of Ruchama Noorda, founded to safeguard her public legacy. Your support is both welcome and essential.

Last week, the City of Amsterdam officially granted the Society co-management of the Elfenvoortuin, allowing this garden to continue to grow and bloom, in the spirit of Ruchama.

Elfenvoortuin
In the final years of her life, Ruchama worked from her dream studio: a small wooden cottage on the Achtergracht, bordered by a patch of municipal greenery.

“When she felt strong enough, she would spend the day here, beginning by picking up needles, syringes, and other waste in the bushes around the studio. Gradually, she sowed and planted medicinal herbs and flowers among the greenery, dug water basins for the birds, and placed stacked columns and spine-like sculptures.”
JannekeWesseling, NRC, 10-01-2025

At Ruchama’s request, this garden was posthumously named ELFENVOORTUIN in the spring: a living artwork inspired by the legend of the Achtergracht and a forgotten fairy tale.

Support the Public Works of Ruchama Noorda
The Society for the Public Works of Ruchama Noorda maintains Ruchama’s public artworks and keeps her legacy alive through a website and an annual lecture series highlighting her work and the themes that run through her oeuvre. 

Your donation, small or large, helps to preserve and honour Ruchama’s Public Works. 

Become an ambassador of the Society with optional name recognition on the website: www.publiekewerken.ruchama.com/genootschap

More information: 
www.publiekewerken.ruchama.com