Manifesta purposely strives to keep its distance from what are often seen as the dominant centres of artistic production, instead seeking fresh and fertile terrain for the mapping of a new cultural topography.
Emre Abut, DE
Complete Cypher Vol. I. Multi-channel sound installation, 32'
Complete Cypher Vol. I draws on Abut’s biography and explores music as a means of migrant self-empowerment. The work draws on hip-hop, R&B and Turkish music from the 1990s and early 2000s, and emerges from the experiences of this period. In the clubs where this music was played, many young people with migrant backgrounds came together. Dancing together created spaces that facilitated a sense of belonging, which was often missing in everyday life. At the same time, the installation refers to ways of listening to music beyond the club, such as on cassettes and CDs that were passed on, and on self-compiled mixtapes and burnt CDs that circulated amongst friends. These unique forms of music-based storytelling emerged through them. As with a mixtape, the composition arises from the selection and sequence of the tracks. No song is heard in its entirety. Depending on the memories this music evokes, different approaches open up.
Courtesy of the artist.
With the kind support of SAHA.
Commissioned by Manifesta 16 Ruhr.