Geographies of Freedom - opening conversation and film screening

Geographies of Freedom - Countering the persistent myth of the Netherlands as the epitome of freedom

A conversation between Egbert Alejandro Martina, Miguel Peres dos Santos and Marina Otero Verzier on the foundational myths of Dutch freedom. Rooted in the 18th century, this history – unfortunately still unfamiliar for many –influences spatial and judicial practices today.

Visitors are warmly invited to contribute to the conversation in order to collectively gain a critical understanding of geography and architecture’s role in shaping society. What practices are required in the making and maintaining of ‘spaces of freedom’?

The evening will premiere the video essay Geographies of Freedom by Peres dos Santos. The film leads us through colonial narratives of Dutch petrochemical imperialism and its relation to notions of freedom. Navigating through archival footage and contemporary imagery shot in Curaçao and The Netherlands, the film proposes reflections on cultural, socio-economical and political repression.

An art installation by Jabu Arnell will define the spatial for the event. Het Nieuwe Instituut has invited Arnell to interpret the research by Martina and Peres dos Santos and create a space for encounter and reflection. The installation will be on show until 10 November 2019.

For more information, please read more on the Het Nieuwe Instituut website.