Vessels, an exhibition giving an insight into the perspectives and experiences of a young generation of Somalis living in the diaspora, is now showing in Birmingham.
The exhibition is a series of ink drawings and paintings by Birmingham based artist Ahmed Magare, exploring what it means to be a modern-day nomad. Vessels is Magare’s first solo exhibition Vessels, featuring 15 ink drawings and one large scale painting.
Born in 1987 in Somalia, Magare lives and works in Birmingham. He is a published writer and a multidisciplinary artist who primarily works in painting and drawing.
In the exhibition, Magare questions nomadism and what it means to be a modern-day nomad. The body of work on display focuses on the notion of cultural authority, ownership and displacement. He explores his identity and heritage by using traditional materials such as frankincense and charcoal. The use of these indigenous materials in his work creates a link to the historical background of nomadic people from East Africa. The displacement of black African bodies and the Somali migrant experience is explored in a personal and accessible manner.
Magare unpicks the concept of trying to belong to a country that is not his birthplace and therefore allows the visitor an insight into the perspectives of a young generation of Somalis living in the diaspora.
Ort Gallery also run Family Art Workshops every first and third Saturday of the month. The workshops take place amongst the exhibitions in the gallery and give children aged 5 to 11, and their parents, a chance to explore the topics found in the artwork exhibited.
The Frankincense Family Workshop on 2nd November is inspired by Vessels and led by artist Ahmed Magare himself. Frankincense is a material Magare uses within his work and he will be teaching the craft to participants.
Ort Gallery is an artist-led exhibition space in Balsall Heath, Birmingham with the social mission to facilitate dialogue in the community. Through their work they explore what role an international programme of contemporary art can play in community strengthening. The gallery exhibits ambitious and daring new art work in an old Art School and ensures every exhibition has a strong impact on the local area and it’s residents. This is done in a variety of ways such as workshops, poetry events, walks, talks and by the audiences becoming part of the projects.
When: On until 23rd November 2019
Where: Ort Gallery, Moseley Community Hub at The School of Art, 496 Moseley Road, Balsall Heath, Birmingham B12 9AH
£: Admission is free
More info: ortgallery.co.uk
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