Gathering #2: Sounds Bouncing Through History

During Garden of Scars, the Oude Kerk organised a comprehensive public programme under the name of Gatherings, linked to the themes of Ibrahim Mahama’s work as well as current issues. Visitors were invited to explore the artistic intervention from a different perspective through concerts, tours, performances, and other activities.

Over three weekends, the Oude Kerk invited communities of thinkers, musicians, and travellers to share stories from both sides of the Atlantic in the midst of the Garden of Scars. In its centuries-long relationship with Europe, Africa and its diaspora have faced the horrors of being torn apart. At the same time, there is a capacity for growth in this otherwise exploitative destructive relationship. Sounds and stories travelled, changed and blended together through space and time, working towards the new now and the sound that is already ringing in the ears of the future generation.

On the 18th of February, the Oude Kerk was filled with a variety of sounds during a gathering of young Ghanaian and Surinamese Amsterdam musicians, including Vernon Chatlein and Peter Somuah. Additionally, artist Onias Landveld presented a selection of short films. The evening was curated by Leendert van der Valk.