The Art of Presence: Yoga at Museum Catharijneconvent

A reflection in a glass bottle. Light falling across a familiar object. Henk Helmantel’s paintings give everyday things room to hold our attention. His exhibition Henk Helmantel. In een nieuw licht at Museum Catharijneconvent in Utrecht brings his still lifes into conversation with medieval sculptures and the museum’s historic monastery building.

Yoga Moves joins the museum for The Art of Presence, four yoga workshops exploring attention among the paintings.

Returning to a painting

Each practice is framed by two encounters with a painting. A guided looking exercise gives the return visit a focus.

Perhaps a detail holds your attention that you passed over earlier. Perhaps the same part of the painting continues to draw your eye. There is no particular response to arrive at; the interest lies in giving yourself time to notice.

Helmantel’s work provides a fitting setting for this exploration. His careful treatment of light makes a bottle or a piece of fruit worth lingering over. In the museum, the surrounding architecture becomes part of the encounter too. The workshops make room for that setting to inform the practice, with each teacher offering a distinct way into the exhibition.

Four workshops, four themes

• Light & Shadow | Finding Clarity

  Maurice Eikmans guides Yin Yoga and Yoga Nidra, exploring acceptance through Helmantel’s light and shadow.

  Sunday 18 October 2026 | 11:00–13:00

• Attention | The Art of Seeing

  Hilary Brown brings Slow Flow and Mindful Movement to an exploration of attention and unhurried looking.

  Sunday 22 November 2026 | 11:00–13:00

• Stillness Within Movement

  Liliana Nuño explores stillness through Gentle Flow, with breathing practices and meditation woven into the session.

  Sunday 20 December 2026 | 11:00–13:00

• The Sacred Ordinary

  Astrid van Wesenbeeck guides Somatic Hatha and Contemplation, using the still lifes to explore impermanence and appreciation.

  Sunday 10 January 2027 | 11:30–13:10

Planning your visit

Museum Catharijneconvent, Lange Nieuwstraat 38, Utrecht

Sessions are in English; beginners are welcome. Mats are provided. Wear comfortable clothes, as there are no changing rooms.

€15 per workshop + museum admission. Book a yoga ticket and a museum ticket, using the Museumkaart option if applicable.