Beyond the Statue: Rethinking Public Space Through a Feminist Lens (EN) - Nele Maes, Fien Van Rosendaal, Camille Van Peteghem x PAF
Public spaces carry stories and memories, yet often these places tell gendered stories. Who and what are remembered in our collective memory, and whose stories are left out? How do gendered narratives shape the public spaces we share? And why do some stories last while others disappear? On Thursday, 13 November, Nele Maes, Fien Van Rosendaal, and Camille Van Petegehem – curators selected through our open call – invite you to Beyond the Statue: Rethinking Public Space Through a Feminist Lens, an evening exploring how public space tells a gendered story. Joining the conversation are Léone Drew Drapeaud (Traumnovelle) and Stephanie Collingwoode Williams (Collectif Faire-Part).
Monuments and statues often reflect a predominantly white, male, colonial, and patriarchal narrative, shaping not only how we remember the past but also how we inhabit the present. How can these narratives be deconstructed or even rewritten?
We will explore public space as a tool for societal storytelling, asking: Who and what are remembered in our collective memory? Why these stories? And how do they shape the spaces we share? We explore the tension between traditional monumental representation and alternative logics rooted in relational values, care, and collectivity. From there, we examine strategies to actively rewrite dominant narratives—whether by questioning and deconstructing them or by reconstructing new stories through artistic, ritual, or participatory practices that foster alternative forms of memory and presence.
The second part of the evening will consist of interactive discussions with the audience in smal groups, providing a hands-on opportunity to explore intersectional feminist futures for public space.
The event will be held in English, but you are welcome to join the conversation in Dutch or French. We will do our best to offer ad hoc (whisper) translations if needed.
More information about the evening on:
https://www.paf.community/events-1/beyond-the-statue
Tickets
Free / €5 / €10 / €15 (pay what you can)
Please choose the ticket price that suits your situation best.
Pre-registration is required via the button below.
Everyone is welcome to join this conversation. No prior knowledge is needed. As always at PAF, we create a warm, open space where every voice is welcome.
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