‘About Time’ comes to Nafasi Art Space

Dar es Salaam. When the world converged at Stone Town some two weeks ago for the Zanzibar International Film Festival, there was just plenty going on especially on the side shows.

From the Women’s Panorama in Dole to Children’s event close to the Beit El Ajab (House Of Wonder) but even as the screenings at these joints drew a mammoth attendance, something else was happening and that was the About Time Art exhibition.

It was rather a strange form of exhibition in a way or two, one that took revellers on a tour of Stone Town’s forgotten monuments. 

Curetted by Nafasi Artspace’s Rebecca Corey and Rehema Chachage, the exhibition brought together a collection of exhibitors from varied backgrounds and genres.

After what was rather an exhilarating experience for those who made it to the Isles Nafasi Art Space decided to bring the exhibition to Dar es Salaam featuring the same set of artistes.

“What we realised is that despite hundreds coming for the Zanzibar exhibition, the truth is that not many people from Dar es Salaam were there for the Stone Town tour experience and that is one of the facts we considered,” says Rebecca Corey.

She adds: The art works which were displayed were a source of conversation and dialogue amongst those who attended.

According to her, the Dar es Salaam edition happens around the same time with the Chap Chap exhibition which gives people a more than one experience.

“We brought all the artwork that you saw at Stone Town here and installed them around Nafasi, so people will get a two in one experience which means getting to see some of these unique pieces of art and at the same time do some henna on themselves,” says Rebecca.

Just like in Zanzibar, the exhibition is expected features artists such as  James Muriuki  from Kenya, Eric Mukalazi from Uganda, Film maker Amil Shivji, Rehema Chachage,and Nicholas Calvin  from  Mainland, Shams Bhandji, Ayda Abdallah , Rehema Abdalla and Saada Juma from Zanzibar.

The artistes use pictures, videos and films as they build on their perception on how time is an important fact in shaping of history.

Each of these artists comes with a unique concept that suits the theme of the exhibition named Wakati – Nyakati.

“These concepts as I have mentioned are unique and they try to give a different dimension on how we can understand history, events and our aspirations,” she says.

Nicholas Calvin is photographer who believes that as time passes by it brings with it a mixture of cultures of the people who lived in Zanzibar at the different times some that are not easily retractable in human memories.

“The change of time remodels afresh what once existed to bring something completely new,” he says

He does not hesitate to compare the complete evolution of Taarab music which was once only played by men for the Sultan and has now gone beyond the Indian Ocean.

“Taraab today either by design or default does not look the same any more, it is now played at different audiences with women now more into the singing of this music that was once dominated by men,” he says.

Eric Mukalazi  is another film maker whose works were installed near the historical Anglican Church.  In his works ‘Barua Kutoka Zanzibar’, he believes that with time even perceptions change.

“Is it possible that what was once a symbol of freedom becomes a sign of culture?” he questions.

Shams Bhanj in her works philosophically questions the concept of beauty with a specific look at a society with conservative traditions which are sometimes oppressive.

“I have tried to share my personal view of my world to show some of the things that get lost in the narrative,” says Shams Bhanj.

Through artistic studying of cultures, the artists portray how culture can be used as a tool of memory and diversity as their works bring out some of the hidden issues in personal and political arenas.

“In their works they also question the depth of different events that have affected the Isles and its people as they try to unearth some of the untold stories of the people of Zanzibar,” adds Rebecca Corey the director of Nafasi Art Space.

The exhibition features nine pieces of artwork with the artists taking you through a journey of both real and fictional world using different elements of time.