EXHIBITION: WHOEVER WANTS PEACE, PREPARES FOR PEACE
Artist duo A+B & Gert-Jan Kooren | Peace Week Haarlem 2026
“Thanks, but no tanks!”
Since the time of the Romans, politicians and military leaders have been repeating it incessantly: si vis pacem, para bellum — he who wants peace, prepares for war. But does a larger army ever truly lead to peace? Or does it primarily result in more weapons and escalation? At De Volharding, we prefer to turn things around. Let those war machines rust away, and let us build peace, equality, and a better world for everyone.
During Haarlem Peace Week 2026, engagement takes root in our free space. On Friday, September 18, we will celebrate the opening of the exhibition by artist duo A+B (Albert van Loon & Beatrice Peter).
Art with a sharp edge: A+B
Albert and Beatrice not only recycle and manipulate second-hand items—such as discarded military children's toys—but also distort words, symbols, and political quotes. Love versus violence, sharing versus greed, togetherness versus division. No slick art language, but what you see is what you get . Look, look again, and think about it.
Also on view: Installation 'Weit Weg'
High up at the back of our Freedom Theatre hangs the subtly abrasive installation Weit Weg by Gert-Jan Kooren (the artistic alter ego Your reporter on the scene ). Grab your binoculars to read the fine print. Because what exactly is far away?
Come by on Friday, September 18 for the opening, join us for a drink, and sit down for a conversation.
