The exhibition at Framer Framed explores how storytelling, visual culture, architecture, and social life shape and redefine citizenship in Somaliland, the Somali region, and its diaspora.
The Anarchist Citizenship: People Made of Stories explores how storytelling, visual culture, architecture, and social life shape and redefine citizenship in Somaliland, the Somali region, and its diaspora. Initiated by Amal Alhaag and Nadine Stijns in collaboration with Mustafa Saeed and other artists, architects, and thinkers, it challenges colonial perspectives by centering Somali voices and experiences. Key Themes and Questions focus on how can we resist the colonial gaze and create empowering imagery? What power dynamics influence image-making, and how can visual narratives celebrate the diversity of identities?
Through installations, films, poetry, photography, textiles, archives, and workshops, the exhibition showcases vibrant stories of Somali social life, cultural resilience, and alternative futures. It features the spatial design of the architect Rashid Ali, who was inspired by the Somali architectural concept of the Buul. The Buul is a traditional house design with a circular structure of natural grass, tree branches and recycled materials. A Special Programming includes visual installations, screenings, public gatherings focusing on Somali memory, social life, and survival strategies.
The Anarchist Citizenship began in 2016 as a research-driven project by Amal Alhaag and Nadine Stijns. It collaborates with Somali and diasporic artists, exploring how Somali(landers) construct identity through visual and oral culture. Contributors include: Mustafa Saeed, Kinsi Abdulleh, Rashid Ali, Abdullah Barre, Salman Dirir, Sumia Juxun, Elmi Original, Sihaam Hussein, and The Somali Museum UK.
The Anarchist Citizenship: People Made of Stories exhibition is on view from 27 October 2024 to 26 January 2025 at Framer Framed in Amsterdam, NL.
Installation view of The Anarchist Citizenship: People Made of Stories at Framer Framed in Amsterdam, NL. Photo: Maarten-Nauw. Courtesy of Framer Framed.
Installation view of The Anarchist Citizenship: People Made of Stories at Framer Framed in Amsterdam, NL. Photo: Maarten-Nauw. Courtesy of Framer Framed.
Installation view of Ode to Youthful Daredevils (2019-2024) by The Anarchist Citizenship from the exhibition The Anarchist Citizenship – People Made of Stories (2024) at Framer Framed, Amsterdam. Photo: Maarten Nauw. Courtesy of Framer Framed.
Installation view of The Anarchist Citizenship: People Made of Stories at Framer Framed in Amsterdam, NL. Photo: Maarten-Nauw. Courtesy of Framer Framed.
Installation view of Dirac (2023) by The Anarchist Citizenship from the exhibition The Anarchist Citizenship – People Made of Stories (2024) at Framer Framed, Amsterdam. Photo: Maarten Nauw. Courtesy of Framer Framed.
Installation view of Portraits (2017-2024) by The Anarchist Citizenship from the exhibition The Anarchist Citizenship- People Made of Stories (2024) at Framer Framed, Amsterdam. Photo: Maarten-Nauw. Courtesy of Framer Framed.
Installation view of Atelophobia (2024) by Mustafa Saeed from the exhibition The Anarchist Citizenship – People Made of Stories (2024) at Framer Framed, Amsterdam. Photo: Maarten Nauw. Courtesy of Framer Framed.
Installation view of Atelophobia (2024) by Mustafa Saeed from the exhibition The Anarchist Citizenship – People Made of Stories (2024) at Framer Framed, Amsterdam. Photo: Maarten Nauw. Courtesy of Framer Framed.
Installation view of Ruun (2024) by Salman Dirir from the exhibition The Anarchist Citizenship- People Made of Stories (2024) at Framer Framed, Amsterdam. Photo: Maarten Nauw. Courtesy of Framer Framed.
INSTALLATION VIEWS
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