The project “Countercurrents” showcases a collection of works by a dynamic group of image makers prompted by the dangerous effects that are connected to the presence of underwater munitions in our oceans. From this starting point each artist found their own topic. The featured artists challenge the status quo and (re)present alternatives on the negligence of the past, trauma, the hidden, the interconnections between us, others, as well as our planet. 

On view at a corridor and a former bunker the three day event (24-26th June 2022) “Countercurrents” features a range of photographic and video installations, sculptures and performances by twelve international image-makers from seven countries. On different levels, it highlights the relationship we have with the past, and explores the intersections of the photographic medium. Their work challenges what photography can still do in current times and enlist themes of current reality, collective and individual memories, fictional narrative and metaphor.

“Naturally I wondered how the students would bring to life this abstract idea. The topic triggered them to go on journeys of self-discovery and research.” said Newsha Tavakolian, visual tutor of the studio and member of Magnum Photos. “The metaphors and interpretations they used have made the projects powerful and deep, all in their own unique way. It found the process to be very beautiful and inspiring.”

Talks

As part of the programme, organised tours will guide visitors through the collective works in and around the bunker, which is the location of the offline exhibition. In this former part of the Atlantikwall, a series of talks and performances will be hosted and presented on our online exhibition (www.countercurrents.co) the next day.

Talks can be viewed here: TALKS

Online exhibition

www.countercurrents.co (to be launched due the opening on June 24th)

Artists whose works are featured in “Countercurrents”:     

Sumi Anjuman (BD), Arianna Cavalensi (IT) , Beatrice Cera (IT), Daniel Chatard (GER), Pascal Giese (GER), He Bo (CN), Charmaine de Heij (NL)Lea Novi (GER), Diego Reindel (GER), Jonathan Tang (NL), Ben Yau (UK), Alexey Yurenev (RU/US).

About Countercurrents

“Countercurrents” is a group exhibition by students of the two-year master programme Photography & Society of the Royal Academy of Art The Hague in collaboration with Creative Court, a non-profit organisation that develops art projects reflecting on peace and global justice. Creative Court believes it is quite impossible to achieve world peace through rules and regulations. Because before reshaping the world, we first need to r-imagine it.

About Master Photography & Society (MAPS), Royal Academy of Art The Hague

Photography & Society is a two-year master programme offered at the Royal Academy of Art, The Hague (KABK) since September 2018. The Master’s programme Photography & Society at the KABK educates socially-engaged photographers of the 21st century, who possess an active interest in the technological, political, environmental and social role of the photograph. As a collective, we research and foster encounters beyond the photographic medium with the aim of formulating new ways of how photography can be positioned and contextualised within society.

About the location

The exhibition will be held on the territory of Bunker V192, which was built as part of a line of defense by the Nazis during WW2 in 1943. This ‘machine bunker’ has a unique design, and the only one of its kind to be found in The Netherlands. Since 2002, the bunker has been used as an exhibition space. Bunker V192 is located on the site of Waterkant.

Credits

“Countercurrents” is organised by the first year students of the Master programme Photography & Society of the Royal Academy of Art, The Hague in collaboration with Creative Court. Generous support is provided by Jana Romanova, Daniël Siegersma, Rabiaâ Benlahbib, Newsha Tavakolian, Thana Faroq, Shadman Shahid, De Waterkant, Denis Oudendijk (Refunc), Brouwerij Frontaal.

The graphic design is done by Sonya Umanskaya. The coding of the Countercurrencts website is done by Max Lehmann.  

Exhibition “Countercurrents” 24th-26th June 2022

Contact Person: Daniel Chatard

Contact email: info@chatard.de Online exhibition:

www.countercurrents.co (to be launched due the opening on June 24th)