Democracy Never Sleeps

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times,
it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness,
it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity,
it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness,
it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair,
we had everything before us, we had nothing before us,
we were all going direct to Heaven,
we were all going direct the other way. 

This quote represents a universal dimension recognizable as one of all time and as many have pointed out the reflection of Dickens that occurrences as the French revolution can happen again when men in power were just as corrupt and corruptible wherever they sit. What common ground brought us wealth and prosperity and on what common ground can we solve current challenges and quests?

As thus far I truly believe that democracy is the common ground that made mankind move forward into centuries that lay ahead and which can prevent great revolution which Dickens warned for. Greek philosophers introduced modern mankind to democracy or vice versa. Democracy which embodies people rule.
As democracy is the wave which carried us thus far and as I hope will carry us much further, I searched for the physical representation of democracy. This goes beyond political party lines and representation of social groups. Democracy is reflected in the constitutions which a society embraces as meaningful for all.

 In the Netherlands one of these accepted constitutions is the Dutch parliament building complex in The Hague known as Binnenhof. Most people are well acquainted with this public space of Binnenhof which in daytime is crowded with politicians, journalists and thrill seekers. With this series of photographs, I want to shed light on this place so well known. The aim is to present a familiar place in a context of silence and nighttime stripped of sensation and showdown. Neutral, peaceful and serene in the historic environment.

The Hague, September 2020