The Siege of Tilburg: "One of the main functions of art is that it prese...

The Siege of Tilburg: "One of the main functions of art is that it prese...: "'Dzevad Karahasan educated this to his students during the siege of Sarajevo. I’m telling you this as well. People are willing to forget thi..."

"One of the main functions of art is that it preserves the people of indifference, a person lives as long as he is not indifferent. " - Dzevad Karahasan -

"Dzevad Karahasan educated this to his students during the siege of Sarajevo. I’m telling you this as well. People are willing to forget this now and then or just don’t even realize. Make sure you keep this in mind. Especially in situations like this!"

The above is what the Surinamese artist 'Building' told to his students at the Art Academy of Fontys. The students, eager to get back to work, under the supervision of Building and other teachers, the students learned to work with whatever was forehand. Rachel had already been working on a memorial for a deceased student of the Rock Academy was initially very much effort to get going, "We could not wait to get back to work at the academy. It was hard in the beginning because of the grenades nearby. The first week we lost our concentration, but we wanted to get back to work. So then we went looking for methods to return our focus."

For the graduation-exposition, students worked together with other students from the art-cluster to make a large theater of the Katterug. Maarten and Jesper who specialize in visual communication designer, took the initiative. "That it took place in public space, was one thing. Because in public space you let it out to the viewer what it think about a work. We took the initiative to approach more students when we saw in Katterug a giant billboard."With other students they worked on a synchronization of the lights of the apartment to form words, shapes, signs and symbols. Students of the dance academy, the conservatory and the rock academy worked on a theater experience that would be performed three times.

Sandra, third year student of dance, did the choreography with two fellow students. "It felt really good to be working on such a big project all together. Art can make you off balance and makes you yourself wonder about the world around you. "During the rehearsals it was hard for the players to totally concentrate on their work. But over time, most were so used to the shells that they simply forgot to respond, while the bravest among them looked for a way to use the grenades as a 'theatrical effect' or a way of expression in their play.

At the time of the show it turned out exactly that way. At first the spectators were shocked by grenades and gunshots, but they gave themselves completely to the show, with more pleasure than ever before in peacetime the Tilburgers were allowed to enjoy culture and art. It were not only the performances that were amazing, every show was different, but all three performances fed the people and protected them from fear as a warm womb or a house of pray that had not yet been destroyed.
Today, every week a new word, sign or symbol appears on the Katterug, as long as the building keeps standing.

I will soon post the interview I had with the Surinamese artist; 'Building'.

The Siege of Tilburg: The Demolition

The Siege of Tilburg: The Demolition: "Cees Becht was his name, but in the vernacular, he will forever live as Cees de Sloper (Cees the Destructor). In 1957 he became mayor, preci..."

The Demolition

Cees Becht was his name, but in the vernacular, he will forever live as Cees de Sloper (Cees the Destructor). In 1957 he became mayor, precisely the period when the textile industry in Tilburg collapsed. Sixty textile factories that offered work to 18,000 men, disappeared within ten years by competition from countries with lower wages. The low-skilled factory workers were unemployed.
Becht knew a solution to revive the patient. He demolished the old Town Hall and Koningswei, an authentic working-class district in the center. In their place came wide roads and tall buildings, such as the Katterug on the east side of the current town hall.
"He wanted to make a real city, a metropolis like Rotterdam, architect George Bedaux shivers reflecting on that period. "That was his biggest mistake. He broke down the most beautiful city centers. What the Germans had left standing, destroyed Becht anyway. The stupid flat on the Katterug is a remnant of that policy. And actually, they should destroy the entire Koningsplein again and start rebuilding, again. "

http://www.bastimmers.nl/nie-maawe-mar-staawe/

Now they have destroyed it again! The first insane and devastating attack on the center was somewhere in mid-September (can’t remember what day exactly. There were also short bombings before). The center was shelled with rockets and artillery. During the first months of the war the bombings were especially during night, so people would feel groggy from lack of sleep throughout the next day, and walk around like zombies.

The devastating result of rockets and artillery shells is clearly visible on the Piusplein

The walls of the Heuvelpoort had collapsed or some parts had completely disappeared. The Mac was almost unrecognizable. The yellow M, should be laying around a few meters from the scene. Some trees had been untouched, others were felled as if by an axe.

South-side of the Heuvelpoort in ruins.

As I walk through the rubble, talk to people, make pictures, I sometimes stare at my hands. As if I would try to convince myself that they were really mine. Those are the devastating effects of a war waged on those who know how to drag themselves through, on those that who are not slain or injured, they slowly lose faith in reality or the ability to experience reality.
And then I suddenly realize how the ugliest building in Tilburg (That’s just indestructible!), just looks magnificent during the night.
This city is lucky. It still has;

 'Hope'

Soon an interview with students from the Academy of Fine Arts (FontysABV) and the story of the picture above

The Siege of Tilburg: War in other countries

The Siege of Tilburg: War in other countries: "Words that go there, come back here. They sound familiar, but are different. They make a difference here. (From: Cel, Charles den Tex, Chap..."

War in other countries

Words that go there, come back here.
They sound familiar, but are different.
They make a difference here.

(From: Cel, Charles den Tex, Chapter 63 Bellilog August 6, 2006)

The Siege of Tilburg: It was like yesterday

The Siege of Tilburg: It was like yesterday: "The Dutch citizens remember only too well the beginning of the unrest. Smoke develops just moments after t..."

It was like yesterday

The Dutch citizens remember only too well the beginning of the unrest.

Smoke develops just moments after the explosion.

24-9-2010

Bomb transforms station into cemetery

A bombing in Tilburg took the lives of at least 60 people. It is the first attack on this scale since the beginning of the unrest.

Authorities confirmed at least 60 dead and over 200 wounded. Most of the victims were rescuers coordinating and assisting in the evacuation of the area. The explosion at the railway station in Tilburg caused a terrible chaos in the Spoorlaan that spread to the whole center within moments. Both railroad traffic and traffic in Tilburg were disordered the rest of the day.

After a suspicious package was reported at the station, the Explosive Ordnance Disposal confirmed that it was a bomb. Police and railway workers had already begun to evacuate the area, but the bomb went off before the Explosive Ordnance Disposal, saw a chance to dismantle. The bomb exploded a few minutes to 2 PM.

The horrible scene has shocked the world. The army is placed in the highest state of alert.

The whole area has been closed down until further notice.

Source: O.N.S.

The Siege of Tilburg: Student Sounds

The Siege of Tilburg: Student Sounds: "Demonstrators were shot by soldiers on the Esplanade. It has been confirmed that both Military and Burgertroepen have used heavy weapons. ..."

Student Sounds

Demonstrators were shot by soldiers on the Esplanade.
It has been confirmed that both Military and Burgertroepen have used heavy weapons.

Peaceful student protests at the University of Tilburg ends in bloodbath.

Today students from across Tilburg protested against the war. The plan was to hold a protest march under the supervision of peace-observers. Before the march could begin the protest escalated. It is assumed that Burgertroepen, who were among the students, began to shoot at the observers. Panic broke out immediately among all those present, and Military forces opened fire on Burgertroepen and in confusion also on students. Burgertroepen who took shelter in the surrounding buildings were attacked with heavy weapons. In turn they also used heavy weapons against the Military.

In no time the whole campus turned into a bloodbath.

According to sources 46 students, 9 Burgertroepen and 14 Military were killed and more than 200 people were injured. It is unclear how many Burgertroepen were among the students.

• "We have seen how people were trampled in the crowd. I got blood stains all over me after an explosion on the square. "

• "Someone shouted," Go away! They are shooting! "People were trampled and panic broke out, and there was blood everywhere!"

Source: Independent World Wide

The Siege of Tilburg: Dongle

The Siege of Tilburg: Dongle: "Equipment at the moment. At the right, the modified dongle. 'Subscribe!? What’s the use of that? By the way, that thing looks like it coul..."

Dongle

Equipment at the moment. At the right, the modified dongle.

"Subscribe!? What’s the use of that? By the way, that thing looks like it could fall-apart any second. "

"THIS thing works very well. I could make a modification so you wouldn't even need a subscription. And it also makes it completely wireless. "

"Yeah like my laptop, but you rarely find a wireless network. And IF you find one, you need a password. So how much will this modification cost? "

"160 Euro, and that's cheap!"

"Dude come on..."

" Hey, if you like to continue paying lots of bills for the network each month, that's fine. But they can pop out any time, so no guarantee." "...."

"Listen, I guarantee a minimum internet speed of 28.8 MB per second. If you subscribe to Vodafone, you pay 35 euros per month. Do the maths! Mine is just the same! Works fine. "

"Hm hm, and what's your warranty?"

"Look, it is.. and remains, a USB-stick, so find yourself a quiet spot if you're on the net. And I'm also quite stuck here ok? So you can always pay a visit when something seems wrong ... Allright, 150 Euro, I install the software and do a check on your laptop. "

"135 dude, it's not like I'm a Weekend Millionaire."

".... Ok ... cool. "

"How long will it take?"

"Hmmm, about an hour. Check your mail if you like. Here's mine. "

The Siege of Tilburg: It's quiet

The Siege of Tilburg: It's quiet: "'Quiet' means; people dare to show themselves on the street. I was able to borrow a dongle, from a journalist to write a quick message. T..."

It's quiet

"Quiet" means; people dare to show themselves on the street. I was able to borrow a dongle, from a journalist to write a quick message. Those things come in darn handy, and I will also try to get one myself. I think the only way to buy kind of equipment like that is the black market. Matters not to me. I just need to get me one!

Where all the peace and rest comes from isn’t clear to anyone. The parties are or tired or regrouping or re-supplying. Anyway .. the chaos continues. The city keeps organizing. Patrols are formed, basements get more secured. Other people stretch their legs during rest. Others storm the stations and roads are jammed.
There is even a curfew. (Perfect cover for criminals who can go about their business)

During these breaks, emergency services get the chance to provide aid . On the radio, tv or internet media calls to provide free passage for fire trucks. Dead and wounded lie in the streets and another urgent request airs to let ambulances or medical-aid pass and not shoot them.

I got in contact with people that can get me close to the city center, and if possible near the Heuvelplein.

I’ll translate more older messages as soon as I can.

Schouwburg promenade (Theater promenade)

Schouwburgring (At the right was a shoppingmall and on the leftside the theater)

The Siege of Tilburg: The bombing of Tilburg Zuid

The Siege of Tilburg: The bombing of Tilburg Zuid: "Ringbaan-Zuid Around 4:55 AM the bombardment began on Zuid. The first lasted for two hours. Then a pause of nearly half an hour, and then ..."

The bombing of Tilburg Zuid

Ringbaan-Zuid

Around 4:55 AM the bombardment began on Zuid. The first lasted for two hours. Then a pause of nearly half an hour, and then it started again. That second bombing was nearby. Later it appeared concentrated on the Edisonlaan. As if they forgot to bomb a piece and had to do it again! Fucking crazy!
The same evening it started again. From 6:30 to 11:00 am. I almost lost my mind and I started drawing and sketching as a madman. The first time I nearly went insane cause of the fear. I didn’t even bother the screaming and crying of the neighbors, if you could hear it at all.

The next day I went out to see what damage was inflicted. Near the Generaal Smutslaan I spoke to a girl I knew from Fontys Hogescholen (University college)
- "That sound of the approaching explosion is so scary! The four of us sat huddled in what we thought was the safest part of the apartment. It seemed like we were waiting until we would be shot to pieces, instead of waiting until it would end. "

Ezelvense Akkers, next to Ringbaan-Zuid

At first glance, the Ringbaan-Zuid appeared quite intact. A lot of shattered glass, and some apartments and houses were smoking. That optimism disappeared, when I saw the Edisonlaan. The second bombing was indeed concentrated on the Edisonlaan.
- "They were certain that Burgertroepen hid here! Can you imagine, BURGERTROEPEN! What in hell would be of value to them!?

Edisonlaan

It was the only thing a heavily shocked resident of the neighborhood could tell me. Then he continued cleaning up debris ... For a moment I saw myself in that strange scene.

The Siege of Tilburg: Real locations in Tilburg

The Siege of Tilburg: Real locations in Tilburg: "See the real locations in Tilburg, The Netherlands. Very soon also other photographs that are not posted on the blog. The Siege of Tilburg..."

Real locations in Tilburg

See the real locations in Tilburg, The Netherlands. Very soon also other photographs that are not posted on the blog.


The Siege of Tilburg (Het Beleg van Tilburg) weergeven op een grotere kaart

The Siege of Tilburg: Martin van het Spoor

The Siege of Tilburg: Martin van het Spoor: "In the first period of the siege, the Burgertroepen fought a fierce battle for Zuid and Centrum –Zuid (South and downtown-south). For weeks ..."

Martin van het Spoor

In the first period of the siege, the Burgertroepen fought a fierce battle for Zuid and Centrum –Zuid (South and downtown-south). For weeks they were able to maintain positions. The Burgertroepen were composed of volunteers from about anywhere. Several people of this paramilitary organization, defended the city with their lives.
On the Oude Dijk, some students of the Academie voor Beeldende Vorming (Academy for the Arts), also picked up arms.

Oude Dijk

One of these students was a musician of the Rockacademie (Rock Academy). Martin van het Spoor swapped his instrument for a sniper rifle. For days he prevented troops to enter the building and protect his fellow students and other refugees. He was killed when his spot was shelled with mortars.

Fellow students began working on a memorial for Martin, right below the place where he fought. So far they haven’t been able to finish the painting because of the shootings by other snipers. Below you can see a detail of the monument.

Martin van het Spoor monument

The Siege of Tilburg: Hilvarenbeekseweg

The Siege of Tilburg: Hilvarenbeekseweg: "A-65 viaduct crossing the Hilvarenbeekseweg In Tilburg Zuid, you could hear the rumble of artillery and urban skirmishes in Goirle. This m..."

Hilvarenbeekseweg

A-65 viaduct crossing the Hilvarenbeekseweg

In Tilburg Zuid, you could hear the rumble of artillery and urban skirmishes in Goirle. This morning we went out to take a look at the Elisabethziekenhuis (Elisabeth Hospital). Thank God the building was hardly damaged. Nonetheless the building got overcrowded. A nurse who stood outside, smoking a cigarette, complained about the Burgertroepen (paramilitary forces composed of civilians), that wanted prior medical attention instead of the civilians. He just couldn’t make any sense out of it. We offered him another cigarette.
From a window he was able to see Burgertroepen trying to blow up the viaduct to create a barricade. They got no further than half a lane, when suddenly they were attacked.

The Siege of Tilburg: The Siege of Tilburg (The Netherlands)

The Siege of Tilburg: The Siege of Tilburg (The Netherlands): "Weeks ago, not only the news, but the war itself reached us. I was just able to leave Tilburg on time and right now I can only hear the viol..."

The Siege of Tilburg: Checkpoint Westpoint

The Siege of Tilburg: Checkpoint Westpoint: " Normal 0 21 false false false NL X-NONE X-NONE ..."

Checkpoint Westpoint

Havoc at the Westpoint-tower. The bus in the left side of the picture, was being shot with grenades a week ago. 14 occupants lost their lives. The two people who managed to get out of the bus, got shot when they tried to reach safety.

The Siege of Tilburg (The Netherlands)

Weeks ago, not only the news, but the war itself reached us. I was just able to leave Tilburg on time and right now I can only hear the violence. Nevertheless, I still feel connected to the city and I try to pay a visit as often as possible. But with all the soldiers, citizen soldiers, rebels, police, security, UN, and so on, it’s not exactly easy to get to the city.

A few weeks ago I was able to shoot a picture of the Westpoint-tower in Tilburg. At the moment I took the photograph, there was a terrible explosion at the Heuvel (city-center/downtown). Soldiers and journalists told me it was a terrible scene. At the moment it is too dangerous to get there, but I will soon try to get nearer and take photo’s.