On a day filled with creativity and reflection, the workshop “Kite for Transformation” brought a unique fusion of art and self-discovery to Riekerhof. Led by renowned artist Rienke Enghardt, participants were invited to delve into the powerful question: “What is freedom for you?”
Enghardt, known as a visual artist specializing in murals, portraits, and collective art with different communities and cultures, shared the inspiring stories behind her 40 years of art practice and 24 years of the project “Kite of Transformation”. Through this initiative, she uses kites as a canvas to explore the multifaceted concept of freedom, inviting participants from various walks of life to contribute with their thoughts and experiences. They didn’t just talk about freedom – they embodied it through the act of creation. While drawing in a big common kite, the artist starts dialogues using Plato’s Socratic methodology, asking questions while one person registers the spoken thoughts on paper. Afterwards, those words are formulated in a poetic way.
Here is a short part of the group of Ukrainians collective composition:
“Trust and Appreciation are tools for Freedom.”
“Freedom is when I am in my land, and my kids are close to me.”
“Freedom is a feeling of love in the daily routine surrounded by people.”
“Feeling Free right after birth – inner freedom to just be.”
“Join the one who feels freedom. Uncertainty gives movement – Freedom is a friend.”
Each person expressed their feelings and ideas by designing and drawing their collective kite, using the artistic process as a means to pull out deep emotions and reflections.
Day of Peace in The Hague – developments from the workshop
“Freedom is like a wave – so high that it can carry you away, ” said Arina, a 12-year-old participant.
Four days after the workshop at Riekerhof, two vans with a total of 16 participants between 6 and 60 years old, along with their relatives and friends, travelled to fly their kites in a festive celebration at The Hague’s beach of Scheveningen, precisely on September 21st, in the International Day of Peace. “This was more than just a fun day at the beach – kites hold deep symbolic meaning. Representing freedom, liberation, and a connection to the sky, flying a kite allows participants to experience the powerful sensation of freedom, both physically and emotionally.” Says the coordinator of “Together” and organiser of the workshop, Alina Bielun.
For Ukrainians, the connection between peace and freedom can be particularly profound. In The Hague, known as the City of Peace and Justice, the symbolic act of flying kites becomes a powerful message expressing collective hope. “This event serves as a beautiful reminder that even in the face of hardship, hope and connection can take flight – literally and metaphorically – through the art of kite flying”, emphasises Alina, who is also a Ukrainian visual artist.
Taking the full opportunity from the last day of Summer in Europe, Rienke, together with the Ukrainian families, put three gigantic kites in the sky: one for Gaza, one for Iran, and the “Kite for Transformation” for Ukraine. The children also enjoyed looking up at the sky with their little kites, which they had made on their own.
As the kites soared, they represented not only personal reflections on freedom but also a collective call for accountability and resilience in the face of adversity. This event served as a testament to the transformative power of art in bridging individuals and communities toward shared aspirations of liberation and peace.