How to Break the Silence: A Conversation About War, Art, and Activism
- Two book presentations: Between Palestine and us (Spookstad, 2025) and In the Absence of Bombs (Valiz, 2026)
- A conversation about war, art, and activism
- With Arthur Berkhout, Pascal Gielen and Lara Khaldi
- Moderated by Alina Lupu
What: How to Break the Silence: A Conversation About War, Art, and Activism
When: Tuesday 28 April, 17.30–19:00 hr
Where: Athenaeum Boekhandel, Spui 14–16, 1012XA, Amsterdam
Organised by: Athenaeum Boekhandel, Spookstad, and Valiz
Admission: € 7,50, tickets via this link
Language: English
During this conversation artist, activist and moderator Alina Lupu will talk with one of the editors of Between Palestine and us Arthur Berkhout (published by Uitgerverij Spookstad), director of De Appel Lara Khaldi who contributed to In the Absence of Bombs and writer and researcher Pascal Gielen who is the editor of the book (published by Valiz).
With the occupation of the UvA in 2024, a group of activists forced institutions to break their silence about the genocide in Gaza. How can this form of resistence be a weapon against passivity? And how did this occupation lead to publishing a book with testimonals and artistic reflection?
On the other hand, breaking the silence is also possible through academic research, reflection and writing. What is the difference between academic and activist writing and archiving? Can the art book be an academic source, a form of protest and a piece of art itself, all at the same time?
Moreover, what is necessary for artists, writers, publishers and institutions to show a genuine engagement and solidarity? How can they help and inspire each other to keep up their effort? Our guest speakers will reflect on these questions and more.