During Ask the Artist, visitors will have the opportunity to interact with some of these artists. They like to share experiences about their art, their journey to a new country and what concerns them in their work and life. The conversation is free (with a valid museum admission ticket) and can take place in various languages. Below you can see which artist will be present when and what languages will be spoken.
Artists present:
Bogdan Seredyak (Ukraine)
Harrison Omoyater (Nigeria)
Shamseddin Moradi (Iran)
Languages: English, Ukrainian, Kurdish and Farsi
How can Ukraine retain its identity, now that so many buildings have been destroyed? That is what keeps Bogdan Seredyak (b. 1988) busy. He happened to be in Rotterdam when war broke out in Ukraine. Rotterdam, too, was once bombed, but architecturally it seems like a new city. Will the same happen in Ukraine? Using AI technology, Seredyak explores the idea of rebuilding while preserving what is.
Harrison Omoyater (Nigeria, 1994) was "born with the helmet on"; with the amnion still around his head. A bad omen in Oza, Nigeria. For his own safety, his father sent him away at 19. After hard years of fleeing across continents, art making finally brings Omoyater out on top.
Shamseddin Moradi (b. 1975) combines traditional calligraphy with contemporary painting and graphic design. In this, nature is an important source of inspiration - especially the oak trees from his birthplace. Subtly, among their roots, the protest against censorship and the oppressed position of women in Iran resounds.
