We are not what we are was a multimedia exhibition featuring emerging local artists and writers from Maastricht.

 

It had been curated by the students of the MA programme Arts and Heritage at Maastricht University in cooperation with Rooms Art Space/Soup Solo, where the exhibition was displayed.

We are not what we are showcased a versatile selection of artworks by Sara Bachour, Joep Hinssen and Martijn Riksen. Moreover, original literary pieces created by Priscilla Kint, Keir Plaice and Felix Qvarnström during the Creative Writing minor at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences were presented.

By introducing chaos, humour and grotesque as conceptual pillars of the exhibition, We are not what we are aimed to create a narrative on subversion of the dominant positions in the arts, culture and society in general. As such, the exhibition referred to the notion of carnivalesque, developed by the Russian philosopher and literary theorist Mikhail Bakhtin.

 

The joy of the carnivalesque is deceitful, and its syncretic extravaganza is a mere disguise. The exhibition played a trick, not only offering a roar of laughter, but also  re-enacting the anarchic and liberating atmosphere of the medieval folk festivals.

 

PUBLIC EVENTS 
The exhibition was accompanied by two special events: 
As part of the opening reception on March 4th 2016 at 19.00, the artists Joep Hinssen, Martijn Riksen and Sara Bachour were present for a public discussion.

 
On 7th of April at 19.00, the Red-Letter Event took place. The event featured a literature reading of the literary pieces presented in the exhibition, by the authors themselves. Moreover, Sara Bachour’s video Fables and Martijn Riksen’s video To fold one’s limbs in prayer were presented in a pop up cinema screeening.