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dirty nails (les ongles noirs)

By n:u (melissandre varin) 2023 - 2024

credit: Ayesha Jones

dirty nails was n:u’s first major exhibition, comprising new commissioned sculptures, installations, and performance arts. This show - within which n:u also invited/curated/ commissioned the work of artist-friends (Ayesha Jones; Ban Workshop; Bousebik and Eole; Bronwyn Katz; Carmen Wong; Ibrahima Ndome; Jade Blackstock; Maria Muehombo/ M I M I; Sym Mendez/Sym Stellium; Wutangu) - was part of a bigger project of their design between Dakar(SE) and Birmingham (GB) in 2024. This experimental apprach to art making and experiencing including a collective residency at Ban Workshop during the OFFisON of Dak’Art bienniale 2024 with open meals and sharing of work in progress; and an exhibition in Birmingham with an extensive public programme centering communion, healing, and freedom . It is an invitation to play, grieve, hum; throw soil on white walls; dance, pray, touch, and be moved by the unknown. more about the overall project here: https://dirtynails.eastsideprojects.org/

credit: Ayesha Jones

118 n u Studio Future Ritual 060626 Crd Devika Bilimoria Low Res 1783509902 n:u (melissandre varin)

performance arts

30 minutes

material: black synthetic hair, In Search of Our Mother's Garden by Alice Walker, bin bags

commissioned by: Grand Union, Hettie Judah, Coventry Artspace, Spill Yer Tea

(dis)placing, re-imagining, and harvesting.

Inspired by In Search…

who's gonna clean the mess in/of your garden?

terrain vague

an art, library, and rest station

digital tour: here

commissioned by Coventry Biennial

image credit: Ayesha Jones, Marley Starskey Butler, linoleum dreams, installation view Coventry Bienniale (GB) 2021-2022

linoleum dreams

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