LISSE.- An artwork was recently discovered in a rubbish bin at the LAM museum in Lisse, where it had been thrown away by a lift technician who mistook it for abandoned litter. The piece, created by French artist Alexandre Lavet, consists of two meticulously hand-painted beer cans.

A night with friends

The artwork All the good times we spent together by Alexandre Lavet (1988) initially appears to be nothing more than two empty beer cans. However, a closer look reveals that these dented cans were meticulously hand-painted with acrylics, with each detail painstakingly replicated. Unlike ready-made found objects, such as the famous urinal by Elsa von Freytag-Loringhoven and Marcel Duchamp, Lavet’s piece required a lot of time and effort to create. For the artist, the cans symbolise cherished memories shared with dear friends. While evenings spent enjoying drinks may seem trivial in the grand scheme of things, they ultimately embody precious moments of connection.

Art in unexpected places

The LAM museum is renowned for showcasing its international art collection not only on walls and exhibition plinths but also in unconventional locations. Alexandre Lavet’s beer cans were exhibited inside the museum’s glass lift shaft, as if left behind by construction workers.

“The theme of our collection is food and consumption”, says Sietske van Zanten, the museum’s director. “Our art encourages visitors to see everyday objects in a new light. By displaying artworks in unexpected places, we amplify this experience and keep visitors on their toes.”

New lift technician

The museum bears no ill will towards the lift technician who made the mistake. He was covering for the museum’s regular technician, who is well acquainted with the building and its exhibits. “He was just doing his job in good faith”, says Sietske van Zanten. “In a way, it’s a testament to the effectiveness of Alexandre Lavet’s art.”

From bin bag to museum display

A thorough search was launched when the curator realised the cans were missing. Curator Elisah van den Bergh eventually discovered the artwork in a bin bag, ready for disposal. Miraculously, both cans were found intact. They have been cleaned and temporarily put in a place of honour at the museum entrance, now displayed on a traditional plinth.

“We wanted to give them their moment in the spotlight”, explains Elisah van den Bergh. As for where the artwork will be displayed next, that’s yet to be revealed. “We enjoy surprising our visitors, so no space is off-limits.”