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The organization exp connects cultural networks in Mali and Sweden to create research platforms where practicing artists and craftsmen can meet and develop new approaches in the arts. exp has a residential space in Bamako available for visiting artists. In Stockholm the organization is hosted by Gallery Flach through Eva-Lotta Holm Flach, one of the head organizers.

In Sweden, as in most occidental cultures, the value of art and culture has become increasingly entwined with market values. Art has become an exclusive commodity in the art world of galleries, museums, curators and collectors. In Mali, art is still on the verge of being defined as a separate cultural phenomenon in society.  Both cultures have issues with the valorization of art and culture but on quite different ends of the spectrum.

The project ideas presented here are aimed to create a fertile ground for artists to practically explore different ways to channel the various forces generated from within the different artistic practices - from the experimental, contemporary practices that have challenged the art market to the traditional cultual practices where the spiritual power of expression still has a collective relevance.

 

Three project themes are currently being developed:

 

Artefact: from fetish to commodity

 

Exploring the artefact (object formed by humans) and its different meanings,

the ritual object vs the art object. Working with the whole span from fetisheurs,

craftsmen to experimental artists.
This project theme was launched in 2013 with the generous support of the

Swedish Arts Council with a workshop and exhibition in Bamako and an exhibition

in Stockholm 2014.

From Earth 2 Earth - transformative building
 

Experimental processes in art and architecture in the

creation and animation of form and space, investigating

vernacular architecture, ritual and performative spaces,

social sculpture, biodegradable materials, biomimicry

and other transformative processes.

This theme is starting to take shape presently (autumn 2017)

using earth dome construction and the ideas of the Iranian-

American architect Nader Khalili to prepare a coming work-

shop in Mali during 2018.

 

 

 

 

 

Tuning Human Frequencies

 

Exploring sound and other frequencies of transmission,

working with electronic media artists and traditional Malian

musicians, magicians and storytellers. Still in planning stage.
 

 

Each theme will be the outset for recurring periods of collaborative practical research and exchange with a workgroup of 10-15 persons, both Malian, Swedish and international artists. The results of the work will aim for public exposure through documentation and exhibition and the goal is to create visible, audible and tangible synergies both within the group and in the surrounding environments.

PROJECTS

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