New sculpture inspired by Václav Havel promotes dialogue
Tel Aviv University has become the 12th partner in an international venture to commemorate the legacy of Václav Havel, first President of the Czech Republic, with a specially designed sculpture
The sculpture, entitled “Václav Havel’s Place,” consists of two garden chairs connected by a round table that encircles a tree. It was designed by artist Bořek Šípek to express the values dearest to Havel’s heart – freedom of speech and democratic dialogue.
The work was inaugurated in a festive ceremony on the Tel Aviv University campus in the presence of TAU President Joseph Klafter, Czech officials, the sculpture’s sponsors and other supporters of Czech-Israel ties. The ceremony also marked 25 years since the reestablishment of diplomatic ties between Israel and the Czech Republic.
In his greetings at the event, Prof. Klafter said, “The Czech Republic is one of Israel’s closest friends in Europe, and we appreciate your solidarity with us.” He went on to link the ideals championed by Havel with those that guide and shape Tel Aviv University – dialogue, free expression and democratic values.
Czech Minister of Culture Daniel Herman said that Václav Havel deeply respected educated people and enjoyed talking with others, and he reaffirmed the intention of the sculpture as “a place for people to meet and exchange opinions.”
Similar sculptures are already on show in 11 cities around the world, several on university campuses, among them Oxford University in the UK, Georgetown University in Washington, DC, and the Venice International University in Italy.
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