Who do you think you are?

In her sixth album, ‘Underneath the Surface’, Starke takes us on a personal journey through the layers of her own identity. As she explains: “On my album, I wanted to share my search, and the desire arose to take this exploration beyond who I am. I wanted to create a setting where I can continue this exploration with my audience.” In developing the exhibition, Starke worked closely with artist and curator Charl Landvreugd.

Exhibition
Artist Jasper Niens’ impressive Under the Mango Tree installation is specially made for this exhibition. It is a pavilion that provides a meeting place for the public programme and the community. “Under the Mango Tree is inspired by the mango trees under which communities in Africa come together to share their stories with one another. A holistic and spiritual setting where everyone is welcome”, the singer enthusiastically explains. “It is a safe space, where stories, thoughts, and visions are shared.” The pavilion’s dome embraces the public and offers security through its circular forms. It is a technical masterpiece built using a unique system of steel and wood that Niens has been developing for two years and is now applying for the first time.

In addition to Niens, there are also other artists, such as Brian Elstak, who takes inspiration from hip-hop culture and comics. He uses his pencil as a weapon and depicts an alternative universe to which the younger generation can identify. Dutch-Panamanian audio-visual artist Antonio Su Guzman presents The Supreme Exodus, which combines images of Latin-American migration and demonstrations with graphic representations of his DNA. Starke is also providing a platform for young talents such as Rasheed Vlijter, Sandim Mendes, and Kevin Osepa. In the video installation Santos, Osepa contrasts contemporary life with the spiritual world. The public can also dream away in the clouds of design duo Mickael Martins & Caroline Escaffre, or savour a new installation about self-healing powers by Sara Nuytemans. With the work of Dorotha Grabkowska named “What made me”, participants can share emotions, thoughts and inspiration.

Public programme and education projects
In collaboration with writer Christine Otten and the organisations Concrete Blossom, Music Matters, HipHopHuis Rotterdam, and Right About Now INC. Sabrina Starke programmes a series of five inspiring events to which music, literature, dance, and discussion are central.  The next generation of creatives is invited to experience how other artists draw inspiration from their different backgrounds and cultures. Starke is personally involved in every event and closes each one with an acoustic performance. There is also a broad offering of activities for young people, and Starke is also organising children’s concerts especially for five to eleven-year-olds. In collaboration with Gery Mendes, TENT is developing a performance workshop on identity for primary education. For students of the Royal Academy of Arts, The Hague, and the Willem de Kooning Academy, Rotterdam, TENT provides an in-depth study of the exhibition’s themes.

Please find the full schedule of the public programme of this exhibition here.