The Museum as Hub presents ‘After-after Tears‘, a project exploring the operational strategies of Center for Historical Reenactments (CHR), a Johannesburg-based collaborative art platform for research and discussion founded in 2010, currently in residence at the New Museum. “After-after Tears” explores a moment that follows the group’s decision to stage an institutional suicide on December 12, 2012.

This act marked a conclusion to CHR’s philosophical program of conversations, screenings, public interventions, and performances, which although originally flexible eventually became an entrenched, recognizable form. CHR’s death foregrounds their intention to not simply conclude a single phase but rather to re-evaluate larger institutional functions and time frames that could enable a different existence.

The exhibition encompasses commissioned installation, video, and performance work developed during CHR’s residency at the New Museum. The project makes reference to significant sites, events, and source materials from their previous two years of activity, which present architectural anchors and historical sightlines that examine the collective’s working philosophy and probe key questions that shaped its formation. “After-after Tears” considers how acts of refusals haunt spaces after they are staged.

‘After-after Tears’ is conceived by CHR members Donna Kukama, Gabi Ngcobo, and Kemang Wa Lehulere, with Mbali Khoza and is designed by architect Daniel Lyonga. The project is organized by Ryan Inouye, Assistant Curator, Museum as Hub.

www.newmuseum.org