A Zaans artwork of knives and pistols as an indictment against senseless violence

Artist David Bade would have preferred to get the real knives and guns for his art project. “But unfortunately that was not possible, so I have to make do with the scrap. You can still see the knives in particular.” These are the remnants of the action among, among others, Zaanse youths to hand in weapons. They serve as material for an art project commissioned by the Ministry of Justice.

David started his art project in a large empty shop in the Kaaikhof shopping center in Assendelft. “It’s called the De IJzervreter. And that actually means soldier or fighter. And those remnants of those weapons that are in the bin here were of course from fighters. They no longer fight with fists, but immediately pull out a knife or gun. We want to use this make it clear that the project is stupid, pointless and not cool. So we are all going to make a very sweet iron eater together.”

Mobile artwork

David does not work alone on this project. He invites anyone who wants to take a look and participate. A Zaanse alderman and a local police officer have already visited. “The alderman proposed a mobile work of art along the banks of the Zaan that connects the various village centers of Zaanstad. And the community police officer drew a heart with a house in it. If you don’t get love at home, things can go wrong.”

It is the intention that students also come along. By the way, David has no illusions that his art can help eradicate violence and weapons. “The image is not going to be a medicine. The whole process will contribute to more awareness and make it open to discussion with each other.”

Every Thursday and Friday, David and his assistants are present in the studio at Kaaikhof 12 in Assendelft.

ttn-55