Images, textures, and freedom: An exhibition by Artists’ Safe Haven resident Abecor

Justice & Peace welcomes you to the exhibition “Images, textures, and freedom”.

The exhibition marked the premiere of Abecor’s artworks in the Netherlands as part of his Artists’ Safe Haven residency. It exhibited a combination of sculptures and cartoons that highlighted Abecor’s perspective on pressing social and political issues through humour and satire, in both images and textures. The exhibition was displayed at The Grey Space in the Middle in The Hague in October 2024.

“Images, textures, and freedom” Exhibition

During his residency, Abecor worked in the studio of local artist, Hetty Looman, where he developed a series of ceramic and bronze sculptures that reflect upon the connection between verbal and visual communication. In the exhibition “Images, textures, and freedom”, these works are shown in dialogue with a selection of the many cartoons that Abecor made over the last nineteen years as a response to the current struggle for justice and social equality in Bolivia.

Bolivia has long been dealing with multiple human rights issues including governmental interference in the judicial system, corruption, breaches of freedom of expression, and attacks on journalists while in recent years, there has been an increasing rise in harassment and repression.¹ Within this context, Abecor’s artworks work as a form of protest, denunciation and peaceful awareness-raising, as well as an important contribution to freedom of expression.

Approaching artistic practice as a tool for social transformation, Abecor aimed to invite the audience to reflect on the importance of press freedom and freedom of speech and demonstrate the importance of cartoons and sculptures as a means of communication and empowerment. Humour and satire have a significant role in his work, making difficult topics more approachable by allowing for a broader emotional experience, critique, and connection.

A milestone realized

Abecor’s time in The Hague was not only an artistic endeavour but also a personal milestone. The exhibition allowed him to fulfil his lifelong dream of showcasing his work in Europe. It provided a platform to connect with new international audiences, offering attendees a window into his vision and passion for justice and equality. Moreover, he worked closely, developed, and exchanged with the local artistic scene and delved more into new forms of expression.

“In the Hague I found peace, I found a substantial form of support, and obviously, I realized I am not alone.”

As a special gift to Justice & Peace, Abecor unveiled a sculpture to honour and highlight the Shelter City initiative. The piece, carved with powerful words carefully chopsen by the artist, symbolizes the resilience, hope, and the solidarity that drives the global mission for human rights.

The  “Image, textures, and Freedom”exhibition proves that Abecor’s influence extends far beyond his pen and sculpting tools. Abecor’s work is a testament to art that challenges, inspires, and transforms.