The meaning of 'Mokum'
A special coin was designed to celebrate ‘Mokum 700’ (1275-1975)
The meaning of ‘Mokum’
Amsterdam
‘Mokum’ is a nickname for the city of Amsterdam. ‘Mokum Art’ was inspired by courtyard gardens in Amsterdam, especially in the Jordaan neighborhood. Amidst all the busyness going on in the city, there a these beautiful secluded, quiet, and peaceful gardens.
‘Mokum’ means ‘safe place’ and comes from the Hebrew word ‘makom’. From the 16th century, Amsterdam became a safe haven, at first for Jewish refugees from Portugal and Spain. Amsterdam was called ‘Mokum A’ or ‘Mokum Alef’. There were other cities as well, where safe places were found to thrive. Berlin was called ‘Mokum B’ and Delft ‘Mokum D’. Alkmaar, Winschoten, and Rotterdam were also ‘Mokums'. (1) The name ‘Mokum’ somehow remained a nickname for Amsterdam. In the picture you can see a special coin which the city of Amsterdam put out as official currency, to celebrate ‘Mokum 700 years’ (1275-1975).
Mokum Art
My abstract paintings of courtyard gardens, are surrounded by words from Scripture, depicting a ‘safe place’. As in those courtyard gardens, it is possible to find peace of mind - even when things around us are challenging.
One thing we have always a choice about, is what we focus our thoughts on. When we manage to hold on to truth, there is solid ground. Taking full responsibility to lovingly care for our domain enables us to flourish, despite of all that might be going on in our lives.
‘Here is a place by Me and you will stand on the rock..’ (Bible -Exodus 33)
For the first Mokum Art collection, I choose this Scripture verse as it contains the word ‘makom’ (place) in Hebrew. Some originals from this collection are still available.
