Pacem in terris

Paul De Vree

1973

Photography, 80 x 60 cm.
Materials: photo emulsion, canvas

Collection: Collection M HKA, Antwerp (Inv. no. BK3964).

Pacem in terris was initially a ‘typogram’ and appeared in the collection Zimprovisaties (1968). De Vree here used the typewriter to draw a tank on top of a plinth formed by the stacked repetition of the phrase ‘pacem in terris’. By juxtaposing the text with the image of a tank, De Vree undermines the ideology of the arms race between the two superpowers and raises the question as to whether, within the context of nuclear deterrents, peace can ever be maintained or even achieved by increasing the possession of arms.

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NUCLEUS

The M HKA’s contemporary art collection has grown thanks to a combination of acquisitions, donations and long-term loans from various public

Poesia Visiva

After 1967, De Vree’s poetry became increasingly engaged and critical of society. In 1971, together with the Italian poet Sarenco, he founded

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Paul De Vree