HAAG IN HART, DAM OP BORST
Pictures during our last edition (the Finissage) at SHEBANG shot by RIEDEWXLD:
The exhibition
Haag in Hart, Dam op Borst is a meeting of different disciplines and the two cities of Amsterdam and The Hague. The initiative comes from writer/rapper MC Lost (Amsterdam), visual creative/photographer Angie Louws (The Hague) and producer/musician Deuces (Zoetermeer). During this interactive exhibition, the cities of Amsterdam and The Hague will come closer to each other, just like the residents of the cities themselves. This will provide new perspectives. Perspectives that might help us understand each other better. And in this way we want to create space for more empathy, more inspiration and more solidarity.
The message
By removing differences and focusing on what we all have in common, we are better able to have empathy for each other and support each other on a large or small level.
We are all human, that is what we have in common. Let us remember this, especially when we see people in need. Of course we can't help everything and everyone, as humans we simply don't have enough energy, but we can do something. We can choose a direction. We can use our own talents, skills and/or characteristics to make progress, stimulate growth and help people, which ultimately benefits everything and everyone.
A selection of the photo series:
The different editions
The first edition of the exhibition was held this March (2023) in The Grey Space in the Middle in the centre of the Hague (funded by Cultuurschakel). The official album release of this project with musicians of The Hague and Amsterdam was held in Paard Café in collaboration with Vijf Vier in April (2023). The second edition of the exhibition was held in July (2023) in Shebang in Amsterdam South-East funded by HOBU. Just like the first edition there were live spoken word performances, an open mic, and the opportunity to listen to our album and enjoy the photo series.
To end this exhibition (for now) team HIHDOB held a Finissage in September (2023) and invited partners who shared their vision and contributed to the exhibition: BE BRAIDED, Kings Island and Studio Queenhood. There were live music performances of MC Lost (accompanied by guitarist Azim Inami), King Ibs, and PKEYZ, and there were spoken word performances of AGBE, Avanaisa Emelijo and Jordan Bueno de Mesquita. They also held a short movie screening with an interview of Axelle Marie’s (The Hague) short movie “The Earth is round. They come again.” and MC Lost (Amsterdam) his short movie “Geef Al Je Plantjes Water” (D.O.P. Malpertuig, Director Josephine Kandeh). The night was hosted by Julia Baak and Jordan Bueno de Mesquita, an energetic couple from The Hague. Alkaline (vegan) food was provided by AlkalineByChida (Amsterdam) and the night ended with none other than DJ Ezri Jade (Amsterdam)!
The process
We have collected photos, poems and music in both Amsterdam and The Hague. We wanted to zoom in on the local neighborhoods instead of the busy city life. The reason for this was that it was especially noticeable in the residential areas outside the center that there were many similarities between the two towns. Think of the markets, the apartment buildings, the playgrounds, the different cultures and the small shops that all contribute to the overall atmosphere you experience when you are there. For the photo series we delved into neighborhoods in Amsterdam such as Holendrecht, Bullewijk, Bijlmer-Oost, Geuzenveld and Osdorp. In The Hague we were in neighborhoods such as Kortenbos, Zeeheldenkwartier, Valkenboskwartier, Transvaalkwartier and Hoefkade. In the field of music, we involved a number of creative people, again from both cities, and this resulted in an album that is officially out. As the final part of our interactive exhibition, we have also put together a poetry collection. Poets from both cities (Avanaisa Emilijo, Ome Guus and MC Lost) have also contributed to this.
MC Lost, Angie Louws and Deuces together with everyone who contributed to this project have joined forces to make more progress together by creating solidarity and empathy. This also applies to everyone who has been to and is coming to the exhibitions. Let's keep this going.
The EP “Haag in Hart, Dam op Borst” can now be listened to on all streaming services!
The artwork on the left was made by illustrator All Due.
Our past editions:
Graphic design of the flyers, posters and artwork made by Joviën Mambi
This project was made possible by Cultuurschakel and HOBU.