Visual Culture
The intriguing photographs by Stijns and Alhaag show how the Somalilanders are creating their own image, inspired by oriental, East African and Mediterranean culture. Geometric images of modernist buildings, painted entrance gates and colourful petrol stations are accompanied by tie dye fabric hung out to dry, popular logos such as Gucci and WhatsApp, dollar signs and henna. They are all unique images offering a glimpse into this extraordinary country. Ultimately, however, it is the stylish Somalilanders themselves, portrayed in their self-elected poses, who force us to reconsider the stereotypical image we have of them.
Nadine Stijns and Amal Alhaag
During their first encounter in 2013, Nadine Stijns and Amal Alhaag discovered a shared love of fashion, music, youth and pop culture, and found out they were both working on projects concerning Diaspora communities. In 2014, Alhaag visited Somaliland for the first time and shared her findings with Stijns. The stories and different textiles she took with her, would finally serve as the kick-off for a project to research and capture the identity, individuality and representation of the Somalilanders. In 'The Anarchist Citizenship’, the duo continually questions the relationship between the makers, the people portrayed and the spectator. With the help of photography, they show the creativity and own reality of the Somalilanders.
About Somaliland
In 1991, internal conflicts resulting from the Somali Civil War led to the establishment of the self-declared, independent state Somaliland, a territory in the northwest of the East African country of Somalia, that now operates as an independent state with 4 million inhabitants. From a global perspective, Somalia and its citizens are constantly subject to being stereotyped, a process that is reinforced by negative media interpretations. This project questions that negative image by offering the Somalilanders a podium for claiming ownership of the way in which Somaliland identity is represented.
The exhibition ‘The Anarchist Citizenship. Ode to Youthful Daredevils’ will be shown during Art Rotterdam, from Saturday 9 February. In that same week the exhibition ‘Trouble in Paradise. Collection Rattan Chadha’ will also be opened.
About your visit
Frequently Asked Questions
Skip listThe Kunsthal is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 to 17:00 hrs. The Kunsthal Café opens half an hour earlier, so you can visit from 9:30 hrs until half an hour after closing time. Check the current opening hours.
Yes, you need to book a ticket with a start time in advance. This also applies if you have a Museum card, Rotterdam pass, or VriendenLoterij VIP Card. This way, you are guaranteed admission and we can ensure that your visit is as pleasant as possible. Book your start time.
Yes, with an online ticket, you can visit all the exhibitions that are on display on the date of your visit. You can also stay as long as you like. You are welcome at the Kunsthal from your designated start time until closing time. Book your start time.
In de Kunsthal Rotterdam zijn altijd meerdere wisselende en contrastrijke tentoonstellingen tegelijk te zien. Een volledig overzicht van alle actuele tentoonstellingen vind je op de tentoonstellingspagina.