Art / Dhaqan Collective
Dhaqan Collective: Archiving Glitches
Dhaqan Collective are Fozia Ismail, Ayan Cilmi and Asmaa Jama, currently artists in residence at Bricks’ RELAY project space, in Brislington. Their collaborations are focused around themes of identity, oral history and ancestry. Working with Somali elders in Bristol, their first project Camel Meat and Tapes was a co-creation exploring post-war migration through oral history, and in particular, cassette tapes from the early ‘80s and beyond, that culminated in its presentation at Arnolfini.
‘Almost all Somali families that you may encounter can recount numerous stories and emotions that are tied into the materiality of a cassette. These tapes became a valuable vessel for the diaspora allowing them to communicate with families they were forced to leave behind – the stories ranged from the mundane activities of everyday life to milestones achieved on a national scale… [and even] love affairs or divorces.’ Dhaqan Collective
(Left to right): Ayan Cilmi, Fozia Ismail and Asmaa Jama – photo: Dhaqan Collective
Now in its second phase, the project has secured Arts Council England funding to investigate ‘the experimental sonic possibilities of cassette tapes, and the connections younger generations of Somalis have to them, and their cultures’.
is needed now More than ever
Ismail, Cilmi and Jama are working with Ibrahim Hersi and Idel Cilmi of WaaberiPhone, archivists dedicated to ‘the preservation and revival of Somali art and culture’, and sound artist Rowan Bishop, who will help in the production of a soundscape to be distributed on limited edition cassettes at the conclusion of the project.
To celebrate the opening of their exhibition, Dhaqan Collective are inviting people to join them at RELAY for ‘Archiving Glitches’, billed as an informal conversation around ‘the patterns that connect Somali spirit possession, finger weaving and electronic dance music (EDM)’.
Following the discussion, attendees will be invited to view their new and recent work, some never before shown.
‘Archiving Glitches’ is at Bricks, St Anne’s House, St Anne’s Rd, Brislington, Bristol, BS4 4AB. Tickets for the talk are free, but must be booked at www.eventbrite.co.uk. The exhibition runs 12-5pm Thu-Sat from October 23 – November 6.
Main photo: – Omar West
Read more: ‘The Somali history of cassette tapes just hasn’t been known. It’s lovely to tell those stories’
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