Black faces in white? space: …Thabo Thindi in the lounge at the Museumsquartier Osnabrück | 06.08.-04.12.2022

…thabo thindi is a filmmaker, photographer and live performer. He lives in Berlin and South Africa. His multidisciplinary artistic intervention “Black faces in white? space” at the Museumsquartier formulates a counter-narrative from a Black perspective, challenging the white representation of racist colonial history that has served as the basis for the systematic exploitation and oppression of Black people for centuries. She occupies streets, museums, galleries and educational institutions to claim space for a humane representation of Black people.

Image. above: black faces Foto © Kerstin Hehmann

Already as a child, …thabo thindi questioned why black people are met with so much hostility and brutal violence by white people and why black people are seen as the “devilish subhumans”.  “Racism is a white construct that white people benefit from by oppressing Black people,” explains …thabo thindi.

In Germany, too, black people are often portrayed as the “others” who are not welcome. Racial profiling, police violence and subtle everyday racism are the order of the day for them.

…thabo thindi critically engages with racist structures based on his personal experiences. His artistic work is characterised by the quest for healing, empowerment and connection for him, Black people and all discriminated groups.

As part of the Osnabrück Culture Night on 3 September at 7 pm, there will be a performance by the artist that is part of his intervention: “Mokete wa badimo” is a ritual ceremony to speak to African ancestors who became victims of German colonial rule.

Admission to the lounge is free.

PROGRAMME FOR THE EXHIBITION

Saturday, 3.9.22, 7 pm, Museum GardenMokete wa badimo:

Performance by the artist …thabo thindi

“Mokete wa badimo” is a ritual ceremony to thank and commune with African ancestors who became victims of German colonial rule. They are supposed to light the way and protect the living who want to bring back their confiscated human remains and have them buried in their homeland.

Friday, 16.9.22, 7 pm, Akzisehaus

Schwarze Gesichter im weißen Raum

Film screening & talk with …thabo thindi

The documentary “Black faces in white? space” by …thabo thindi explores the dynamics and complexity of being black in a country that considers itself homogenously white. In doing so, the filmmaker attempts to create new perspectives on blackness. What does it mean to be black in Germany?

Saturday, 29.10.22, 10 am – 6 pm, Akzisehaus

How can I strengthen myself in dealing with racism?

Empowerment workshop for young BIPoC (16-27 years) with Ambachew A. Anjulo

In this workshop, participants critically examine racism and its effects on everyday life. In a protected space, experiences are exchanged and empowerment strategies are learned to resist racism and to strengthen each other.

Tuesday, 8.11.22, 4-6 p.m., meeting point: museum ticket office

Osnabrück post-colonial – a search for traces

City walk with Dr Thorsten Heese

Today, people are hardly aware that Germany was a colonial power from 1884-1918. However, Osnabrück merchants and soldiers, factory owners and consumers, missionaries and seafarers were also involved in German colonial history. The post-colonial city walk goes on a search for traces of this colonial heritage in the cityscape.

Participation costs 5 euros, reduced rate 3 euros.

4.12.22, 4 pm, Lounge

Black faces in white? space in Osnabrück

Closing discussion with …thabo thindi, the curators and Black Osnabrück:innen

Together we will reflect on the artistic intervention and exchange ideas: What is the significance of “Black faces in white? space” for Osnabrück? What remains?

The exhibition and mediation project is supported by the Foundation of Lower Saxony.

WHEN?

Exhibition dates: Saturday 6 August – Sunday 4 December

Opening hours: Tuesday and Friday, from 11 a.m to 6 p.m, Saturday and Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

WHERE?

Museumsquartier Osnabrück
Lotter Straße 2
49078 Osnabrück