Faces-and-masks
Project aim
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The project "Faces and Masks - the interwoven relation" focuses on creative dialogue. Artists from Africa and Europe will work together and respond to the respective cultural history of masks. It aims to be more than an art project - it is an invitation to shed new light on the narratives anchored in the deepest heart of cultural identity and to re-establish dialogues at eye level.
It is a common quest for recognition and understanding that respectfully centres on the creation of new works of art.
Through a creative workshop, personal and family stories will be collected to explore commonalities and engage in an exchange that transcends national and cultural boundaries.
A curated exhibition will show the newly created works, running parallel to historical masks. This exhibition will take place in an African and a European city. The connection between cultures that emerges in this creative exchange shows how artists can bridge the gap between cultures, gain understanding and create new perspectives.
Method
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Different artistic approaches can be combined within the framework of a one-week workshop. A direct reaction to each other's work is encouraged. In the best case scenario, joint works of art are created. The participating artists come from Africa and Europe.
Cultural sovereignty is dissolved and a creative commonality becomes visible.
During the lab , oral storytelling plays an important role in the artistic development. Personal, family stories and memories of and about masks from the participants' own cultures are exchanged and similarities are explored.
New, different, shared masks are created.
Goal
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The aim is to organise an exhibition of these newly created objects, images and worlds of thought in combination with historical masks and any existing works by the participating artists that relate to the theme. The exhibition will be shown in Africa and in Europe (e.g. Germany) or in Switzerland and documented accordingly.
Team
[edit]This project is a collaboration of Ila Wingen, Rose Musyoki and the GLAM-team Wikimedia Switzerland.
