Den Dolder - John Panders and Gera Hoogland, two vibrant artists and activists, are making waves with their collaborative artistic endeavors, aiming to beautify their community. Together, they create and promote art not only for aesthetic purposes but as instruments of social change.
John, who has roots as a passionate activist since the 1960s, vividly recalls his experiences during the Vietnam War. He stated, "When it got serious, we thought to ourselves, this is America, who liberated us? And they’re just destroying lives." This background has shaped his creative expression, as he narrated how he would immerse himself in the vibrant art scene of the time. "At night, I would jump headfirst... and the drugs would come out. I could improvise poetry for three hours straight, sometimes performing for large audiences. That was absolutely fantastic!"
On the other hand, Gera took to activism during the 1980s, fighting against the demolition of Utrecht's Wijk C and opposing government cuts to the arts. She participated in notable protests with around 40,000 individuals. Reflecting on this experience, she noted, "We created a massive mural with various collectives during those protests." Today, she continues to engage actively within her community of Den Dolder, underscoring her commitment to local involvement. "It's important to contribute to the community and to try to keep people together," she emphasized.
A prominent example of Gera’s commitment is her participation at the Vuurol festival held in the forest of Lage Vuursche which emphasizes environmental and societal topics.
John and Gera’s artistic paths intertwined at the crèche where John worked, and they have been inseparable ever since. They now create art together, with John stating, "It’s such a great feeling to connect with her without even having to talk. We even create paintings together—one of us starts with a dot, and I have to respond. After about an hour, we end up with a complete painting! And I pay close attention to her expressions and how she looks, which brings me joy."
This joyful partnership has enriched Den Dolder's artistic community, showcasing not only their individual talents but also their passion for activism through their artwork. The creations of John and Gera are reflections of their experiences and the issues they deeply care about, blending creativity with activism to inspire change and provoke thought.
The couple’s commitment to their art and activism is vibrant, making their presence felt within the community. With each project, be it murals expressing social sentiments or installations addressing environmental concerns, they continue to use their talents as powerful voices for change.
It is clear from their work and dedication to the community of Den Dolder, as well as their histories of activism, how they have strived to weave together the threads of personal experience and social messaging through their artistic creations. This steadfast commitment shows not only how art can beautify but also lead discussions, provoke thoughts, and enact changes within society.