state of us

state of us a project that comprises an exhibition at de Appel and a series of screenings, performances, and discussions focussing on the lingering and ever-mutating traumas of colonialism that cut across the present. Departing from Ireland – widely regarded as the first historical subject of the British colonial project – the exhibition and events bring together artists who address Ireland or Irish experience alongside ongoing and historical struggles in places such as Palestine and Bangladesh. The works trace how the everyday, insidious operations of colonial rule and violence endure long after formal state independence and international agreements, embedded in bodies and memories, in intimate affections, in social dynamics and dysfunctions.

The project is a collaboration between EVA International – Ireland’s Biennial of Contemporary Art and de Appel. It features a new commission by Dina Mimi and presentations by artists and projects commissioned by EVA International between 2021 and 2025, including We realised the power of it – Derry Film and Video Workshop, a project by Sara Greavu and Ciara Phillips; Ciarán Ó Dochartaigh; Family Connection; Naeem Mohaiemen; Eoghan Ryan; Clíodhna Timoney; Eimear Walshe.

Event partnerships include Filmtheater Kriterion, Eye Filmmuseum and the international workshop LIBERATIONS: Questions for Art and Theory, hosted by the University of Amsterdam. state of us is curated by Ailbhe W. Drohan, Matt Packer, Eszter Szakács.

More information to be announced soon.