Royal Netherlands Embassy
August 22, 2008
Carla Bundy, 202-274-2632, cy.bundy@minbuza.nl
or MartinContact: Austermuhle,202-2924285,martin@embassyofafghanistan.org
Press Release
IN AFGHANISTAN
HANS STAKELBEEK
DUTCH PHOTO EXHIBIT OF RECONSTRUCTION IN AFGHANISTAN
OPENS IN THE UNITED STATES
The Royal Netherlands Embassy and the Embassy of Afghanistan will present a stirring collection of images that document everyday life in Afghanistan. The photo exhibit by Dutch photographer Hans Stakelbeek, entitled In Afghanistan, will be displayed for the first time in the
United States
from September 10th through October 4th, 2008, at the Touchstone Gallery in
Washington
,
D.C.
Hans Stakelbeek was commissioned by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs to document the reconstruction of Afghanistan during ongoing efforts to restore peace and stability to the country. Stakelbeek made four trips there, photographing in
Kabul
and Uruzgan, as well as other remote areas. Stakelbeek’s photos capture the essence of the people, the country, and the reconstruction efforts.
“The Royal Netherlands Embassy is proud to partner with the Embassy of Afghanistan to bring the ‘In Afghanistan’ photo exhibition to
Washington
,” said Dutch Ambassador Renée Jones-Bos. “As partners in the reconstruction effort, we are moved by the strength and tenacity of the Afghan people, and their commitment to rebuild their country. These images capture that strength and hope.” added Ambassador Jones-Bos.
In Afghanistan presents images that pay tribute to the determination of the Afghan people to survive and live as normally as possible through the upheaval, building homes, going to school and working and playing in trying times. Stakelbeek’s accompanying written commentary reveals the personal stories in each of the photographs.
“The
Netherlands
has been a generous friend and trusted partner of
Afghanistan
,” said Afghan Ambassador Said Tayeb Jawad. “This exhibition highlights our close cooperation in fighting extremism and working to build a peaceful and prosperous society in
Afghanistan
. We are proud of our close working relations with the Royal Netherlands Embassy, and grateful for its efforts to exhibit the daily joys and struggles of the Afghan people,” he added.
Members of the media are invited to attend a private opening reception on September 17th at the Touchstone Gallery from 6pm to 8pm. Newly appointed Dutch Ambassador Renée Jones-Bos, Afghan Ambassador Said Tayeb Jawad, and photographer Hans Stakelbeek will be available for interviews. Media must contact Carla Bundy, 202-274-2632 or Martin Austermuhle, 202-292-4285 to attend the reception.
EXHIBITION INFORMATION
Location: Touchstone Gallery, 406 7th Street, NW, 2nd floor, Washington, D.C, 20004
Exhibition Dates: September 10th – October 4th, 2008 (Admission is free)
Opening Times: Wednesday-Friday 11am - 5pm; Saturday and Sunday 12pm -5pm
For further information: www.touchstonegallery.com; www.netherlands-embassy.org or www.embassyofafghanistan.org
2008 Touchstone Gallery