Marcel Wanders recently had an exhibition at the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam titled Marcel Wanders: Pinned Up at the Stedejilk, 25 years of design, a look at his quarter century in the design world.

The New York Times has christened Marcel the Lady Gaga of the design world; a nod at his creativity and out of the box thinking.

The exhibition featured work like the lightweight Carbon Balloon Chair, videos of his virtual interiors, and space dedicated to his work as an art director. I never understood his work, and walking around as people pored over it made me feel like everyone was in on the joke.

The Rijks Museum was a different experience. Built on four levels, muscled guards with earpieces— one looked more like a male model — drew me in. The first level has special collections of religious symbols from East Asia, ship models, weapons and works of Dutch artist Beuckelaer among others.

One painting that caught my eye was of a lady getting ready for her bath. One of her maids was black — dark women in art in that era was rare.

The highlight for me were the works of Rembrandt, particularly the Night Watch and Militia Company of District II under the Command of Captain Frans Banninck Cocq.

A bench is set nearby to admire the painting of a military company in Amsterdam. While moving the painting, it is said that the workers cut out part of it and now is missing two characters.

Next to it is a print showing what is missing. My favourite Rembrandt is the Jewish Bride. You can almost feel her hesitation at meeting her suitor, who, rather lewdly, has his hand on her bosom.

I leave the museum feeling affirmed. I too may get some glory when I am long gone like Rembrandt or while I am still alive like Marcel.