In reality, as Elisabeth Idas photographs show, an embassy is first and foremost a place of work for the diplomats toiling there on what often are repetitive tasks, negotiating every word of a detailed technical agreement or drafting reports for the capital that might not be read but that are nonetheless expected. This side of diplomacy is associated more with dreary meeting rooms and drab offices than beautiful salons. Efforts made in waiting rooms, corridors and lobbies to convey something about the country while creating a certain homelike atmosphere come across as gauche rather than elegant. Sofas whose colourscheme matches ill with the colours of the national flag give the impression of making do with what is available, under the watchful eye of the ubiquitous state picture of a president, king or queen, who are keen to ensure that the national budget is not wasted on undue comforts. (Excerpt from The Gauche Gateway) Prof. Dr. Sven Biscop, Ghent University & Egmont Royal Institute for International Relations (Brussels)With the support from Cultuurcentrum Strombeek and Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia.

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