the voice of the citizen

September 24 - October 24, 2022

An impressive series of linocuts by students from the 4 havo drawing class of the Coornhert Lyceum, inspired by the engravings of Dirk Volckertsz Coornhert, express contemporary issues. The works show that the attitude to life of Coornhert, who was born no less than 500 years ago, is still very much alive today. 

Coornhert (1522-1590) was an idiosyncratic thinker and artist. He wanted to remain independent at all times: think about things for himself, without coercion or interference from the government or religion. He made his own choices and made himself heard clearly if he disagreed with something. With the help of woodcuts and etchings, he spread his thoughts to a large audience. His engravings reflected ideas that prevailed in the sixteenth century. The students' work shows that graphics are still a powerful medium for conveying a message.  

Under the guidance of teacher Harm van Ee, the students took press photos of conflicts, exclusion and tolerance issues from our recent history as a starting point for a series of linocuts. Cutting linoleum is a relief printing technique that fits in with Coornhert's profession: graphic artist. Examples of conflicts depicted by the students are: Black Lives Matter, women's emancipation, Arab revolt, Corona demonstrations, Chinese oppression and the housing crisis. The collection of linoleum cuts provides a powerful image of the time and shows that young students can creatively depict contemporary problems. Harm van Ee: 'Students are influenced by digital media and are quickly inclined to join a digital group based on prejudices. The relevance of Coornhert's ideas lies in the present and in the mental development of our students.'