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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

Credit Mandip Singh Seehra 1756123077 n:u (melissandre varin)

by n:u (melissandre varin) and Jérémie Priam

Digital Video

duration 08 min 29 second

supported by Oustide In (GB)

Presenting the Caribbean banana trade as a site of desire and displacement, n:u and Jeremie’s audio-visual assemblage spans 4,000 miles. On Martinique (FR), Jeremie’s aunt Lilianne shares her knowledge of growing organic bananas. On the island, toxic pesticides sprayed on banana crops have contaminated the landscape…

Handle with care/ prendre avec soin

re-assembling

terrain vague

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