"Ncheta" blog by Ogechi Dimeke
20 October 2023 - 21 January 2024
Glynn Vivian Art Gallery
Alexandra Road
Swansea
SA1 5DZ
10:00 am - 4:30 pm
“Ncheta” is an installation of a collection of different works, comprising of a 50 meters muslin fabric dyed in yellow, red, orange and pink; photographs of different members of Aurora Trinity Collective, capturing moments of performative engagement with the fabric on Penarth Beach and voice recordings in 8 different languages of members of Aurora Trinity Collective having conversations about their personal/cultural relationship with fabrics/textiles, providing an auditory layer that complements the visual element of the artwork. The work is on display at the Glynn Vivian Art Gallery in Swansea. The fabric is draped across the atrium of the gallery and can be viewed from above in the upper galleries, or from below in the atrium. The installation suggests a visually dynamic and immersive experience for viewers which aims to engage the audience in a unique and diverse way.
Credit: Aurora Trinity Collective, Ncheta, 2023. Glynn Vivian Art Gallery. Credit - Polly Thomas
Credit: Aurora Trinity Collective, Ncheta, 2023. Glynn Vivian Art Gallery. Credit - Polly Thomas
“Ncheta” was conceived from numerous heartfelt discussions between artists Helen Clifford and myself after Aurora’s first creative retreat to Manorbier in February 2021. Ncheta is an Igbo word meaning remembering. These dialogues have evolved over time, yet their core essence remains unchanged. It began as a reflection on our relationship with the landscape in Wales – asking ourselves if and how we feel connected to it, if we believe we belong. It then evolved into a deeper exploration of the unique distinctive warmth each one of us brings as individuals and how collectively, as Aurora Trinity Collective, we bring this to a space. The artwork creates a bold and distinctive representation that Aurora Trinity Collective is not simply blending into the background but rather celebrating our individuality and uniqueness.
The artwork also conveys the profound feelings of trust and safety we foster for one another, hence why the recordings are not transcribed or translated, these are core values that define our journey and who we are as Aurora Trinity Collective.
This artwork invites you to immerse yourself in its embrace, the warmth it exudes, sharing in the joy and fun we experienced while creating it. Inviting viewers to connect with the artwork on an emotional and intellectual level.
It is my heartfelt desire that “Ncheta” stands not only as an embodiment of our shared feelings and ideas – the trust, warmth, beauty, fun and safe space that defines Aurora Trinity Collective and a quality we would love and hope to replicate wherever we are and whoever we work with – but also as a testament to the dedication, care, love, and expertise that went into its making.
Other artists who collaborated with Aurora Trinity Collective in producing Ncheta are Amak Mahmoodian, June Campbell Davies, Lauren Clifford-Keane and Nasia Sarwar-Skuse. Other Collaborators include;
Agnieszka Platcha
Annebelle Ntombo
Azeb Tesfay
Binta Bah
Christianah Ugbaja
Fanta Touray
Fazilath Abdoul
Feven Berhane Tesfay
Frehiwet Ademariam
Georgia Bowles
Hanna Jenkins
Hind Abdalla
Kaddija Jallow
Leila Karami
Letty Clarke
Nafisa Saih
Nasima Begum
Racheal Makaza
Rena Zhang
Ruhena Rahman
Samar Iqbal
Sawsan Suliman
Shabnam Tajpoor
Stacy Ann James
Suha Elhag
Sweeta Hasmi
Tawhida Alfarsy
Yrgelam Tecke
Written by Ogechi Dimeke