THE FINE ART OF PEACEMAKING

vrede is geen kunst afbeelding

On Monday September 21, the UN International Day of Peace, The Hague Peace Projects  in collaboration with exhibition spaceGEMAK in The Hagueorganizes a public discussion themed: “The Fine Art of Peacemaking” (“Vrede is geen Kunst?”).We will invite representatives from two worlds: on the one hand the world of professional art and on the other the world of peace activism. Both activists and many artists are concerned about the world and the society we live in. But not very often do they meet each other to exchange and discuss their views. This meeting will therefore provide an opportunity for the audience to delve into the differences and connections between both worlds and discuss questions like: What is the connection between art and society? Can an artist be an activist? What is the role of art in a world full of war and violence? And, moreover, can one do anything at all against such misery? Can art have a positive impact on society? And how does this impact differ from activism?

The meeting will begin with a presentation of both the work of the artist and a presentation of the work of the peace activist. This is followed by an interview on the themes described above and a debate with the audience.

Speakers are: Pierfrancisco Gava and Sylvestre Bwira:

Pierfrancesco Gava is a visual artist from Italy. He recently graduated from the Master Artistic Research program at the Royal Academy in The Hague. His recent project investigates the strategy with which power structures, such as politics and religion, use their own image in the public media.
Sylvestre Bwira is a peace activist from eastern Congo. Living in The Netherlands as a political refugee since 2010 he continues to work for peace in his home country.

The meeting on September 21 will be the kick-off for a monthly series of such encounters between artists and peace activists, themed: “The Fine Art of Peacemaking”
Place: GEMAK, Paviljoensgracht 20, The Hague
Date and time: September 21, 19:00h-21:00h

Participation is free, registration is required. For registration and questions about the event, please contact: Jakob de Jonge, info@thehaguepeace.org, 06-18051097.

 EXHIBITED WORK: A GLORIOUS SOCIETY (2015)
                                     video, color, sound, 35'00, new and found footages