Kunstenaar Aad Peters maakt expositie samen met Israëlische kinderen uit de getroffen kibboetsen

Summary

The interview explores an exhibition in Elburg that delves into the polarizing topics surrounding Israel, Jerusalem, and the conflict in the region. The artist reflects on the personal and spiritual connections to these themes, emphasizing the sacredness of life and children. While grappling with controversial issues, the conversation touches on the role of art in conveying messages of peace and understanding. The exhibition invites viewers to engage with these complex emotions, offering a platform for discussion and reflection on human connections, sacredness, and conflict, with a focus on the power of visual storytelling.

Takeaways

• 😀 The exhibition in Elburg is focused on Jerusalem and its significance, highlighting broader human issues rather than just Israel or the Jews.
• 😀 The speaker emphasizes that peace in Jerusalem is tied to global peace, reflecting on the Bible's influence in shaping perceptions of conflict.
• 😀 The decision to hold the exhibition now, despite the sensitive political climate, is driven by the desire to address the complexity of these issues at a more meaningful time.
• 😀 The speaker believes that the ongoing conflict in Israel and Gaza is difficult to comprehend from outside the region, making global understanding challenging.
• 😀 A key theme in the exhibition is the sacredness of life, particularly the value of children, which the speaker connects to both the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and broader societal issues.
• 😀 The speaker reflects on the difficulty of addressing Israel and its polarizing nature in the current political environment, often avoiding direct symbols like flags to prevent further division.
• 😀 The exhibition in Elburg is designed to promote reflection on the broader human condition and provoke thought, rather than push a specific political agenda.
• 😀 The importance of children is central to the exhibition’s message, with the speaker emphasizing that honoring children is essential to a peaceful future.
• 😀 The speaker shares personal experiences, including visits to Lebanon and Israel, highlighting their belief in the importance of cultural understanding and peacebuilding through art.
• 😀 The exhibition opening on February 16 invites the public, especially families, to engage with the themes of peace, conflict, and human sacredness in a meaningful way.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the exhibition in Elburg that the artist is working on?

The exhibition is about peace, sacredness, and understanding. The artist emphasizes that it is not specifically about Israel or Jews, but rather about the broader human experience and issues related to peace and the sanctity of life.

Why does the artist believe that Jerusalem is central to the world’s peace?

The artist connects Jerusalem's peace to global peace, stating that since the Bible, which is widely read by the world, speaks of Jerusalem, its peace is essential to the peace of the Bible and, by extension, the peace of the world.

How does the artist view the relationship between conflict and sacredness?

The artist believes that conflict, particularly in places like Gaza, makes it difficult for outsiders to understand the emotional and moral complexities of such situations. However, he also ties the concept of sacredness to the sanctity of children and life itself.

What is the significance of the photograph the artist posted on Valentine's Day?

The photograph of the artist with two Israeli children and the Israeli flag was posted as a statement of love and solidarity. The artist framed it within the context of Valentine's Day, drawing a parallel between forbidden love and the difficult relationships around issues like Israel and Palestine.

What message does the artist convey through his thoughts on children in the context of the exhibition?

The artist views children as sacred and central to his work. He stresses the importance of honoring and protecting children, implying that without this, society loses its foundational respect for life.

What does the artist mean by the phrase 'If Jerusalem has no peace, I have no peace'?

The artist suggests that his personal peace is directly linked to the peace of Jerusalem, illustrating the deep emotional and spiritual connection he feels to the city's symbolism in the Bible and its broader global significance.

Why is the artist cautious about using symbols like flags in his art?

The artist recognizes that symbols like flags can be highly polarizing. He is cautious about using them because they can easily be misinterpreted or lead to division, as flags often symbolize specific national or ideological viewpoints.

How does the artist's experience with Lebanon influence his views on conflict?

The artist’s experience in Lebanon taught him the complexities of conflict, especially how the desert (symbolizing harsh, barren conditions) contrasts with the forests (symbolizing growth and peace). This insight shapes his understanding of the ongoing struggles in places like Israel and Gaza.

What is the artist's view on the connection between faith and conflict, particularly regarding Israel?

The artist believes that faith, particularly in the context of Jerusalem and the Bible, is intertwined with conflict. He suggests that the world’s collective prayer for Jerusalem’s peace is reflective of a shared responsibility for peace, which extends beyond political boundaries.

What is the artist’s next step after the exhibition in Elburg?

The artist is preparing for a trip to Israel, where he will continue working on a larger project, possibly related to children and global issues, as he seeks to explore and understand the deeper meanings of peace and conflict in the region.