Revolt in The Hague!

Anyone walking past the Hoftoren in The Hague will see familiar art. Works are on display that were carried in the SouthEast Parade last year by Quentley Barbara, Fré Calmes, and Monika Dahlberg. Art by Serana Angelista and Maikel Deekman is also featured, all as part of the Slavery Memorial Year. Revolt, resistance against slavery is a collaboration between the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science and CBK Zuidoost and can be viewed free of charge.

‘Revolt: resisting slavery’ honors the women, men, girls, and boys who resisted slavery, bringing them, as it were, ‘out of history’ and to the forefront. This is achieved through words and images, featuring artworks and texts by: Serana Angelista, Quentley Barbara, Aspha Bijnaar, Fré Calmes, Monika Dahlberg, and Maikel Deekman. Aspha Bijnaar wrote biographies of the resistance heroes, which can be read via this link.

‘Revolt: resisting slavery’ contributes to a different perception of the history of slavery and the role of people who were forced into slavery. It is too little known that they fought for self-determination and engaged in organized resistance. In texts and historical images, the dominant image is that of the humble and docile enslaved person—enslaved people who were expected to be grateful when they were finally freed. Even today, that freedom is often presented as the result of the abolitionist movement, which was primarily shaped by white people.

‘Revolt: resisting slavery’ shifts this perspective. The exhibition makes it clear that there are other stories, which is important because of the ongoing impact of our colonial history on contemporary society. ‘Revolt’ does more than reveal hidden histories. It offers models of militant identification to people of color, thereby contributing to feelings of pride and self-worth.

Location: Hoftoren, Rijnstraat entrance, The Hague

Guest Curator: CBK Zuidoost, Amsterdam; Delano Mac Andrew, Annet Zondervan
Design: Serana Angelista
Commissioned by: Ministry of Education, Culture and Science
www.ocw-verhalen.nl/verhalen/revolte