On Friday, 28 July 2023, Brahim Tall and his brother Kamal perform Ancestry, Posterity, Manhood, Brotherhood.

In this performance, Brahim and Kamal braid each other's hair. While one of the brothers sits on a chair, the other stands up to braid. Mid performance, the brothers switch places.

Braiding hair has been part of African culture for centuries. Braiding depicts tribal, family and status symbols through patterns and shapes. Largely seen as a feminine act to (theis day) it opens a space that creates bonds between those who braid, their children, partners and friends. It also sometimes provides financial income.

Artist Brahim Tall and his brother felt very distant from this tradition. Their mother, of Belgian/Dutch descent, never braided their hair, nor did anyone else. So braiding each other's hair was a way for them to find a connection with the ancestral tradition they did not have before, as well as with each other. The intimacy associated with braiding strengthened their brotherhood but also raised questions about their place as men and masculinity in general.

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PRACTICAL INFORMATION

↳ Friday 28 July from 20:30 to 21:00
↳ In the chapel of Kunsthal Extra City
↳ Reservation is not required, but be on time
↳ Free admission with your Kunsthal Extra City ticket, to be purchased at reception

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POC POC II is The Constant Now's network and experimental platform that connects young artists of colour with art professionals in Belgium. It is is supported by Flanders State of the Art.

Brahim Tall is one of the participating artists and is performing Ancestry, Posterity, Manhood, Brotherhood as part of the mentoring program. TThe performance was first brought in 2021 at 2m3 upon the invitation of Pol Pauwels.

Language English