Acts of Defiance

Sep 19, 2024

Acts of Defiance was a performance program curated by Nahum that followed the immersive installation Protest Lounge, curated by Onome Ekeh.

Become so very free that your whole existence is an act of rebellion

— Albert Camus, The Rebel

Acts of Defiance was a performance programme that brought together artists who, through their work, resisted, rebelled, defied, and protested. These artists challenged societal norms, dismantled oppressive systems, and questioned the status quo. Through a series of performances, the programme aimed to capture the essence of resistance and offer a glimpse of new possibilities for transformation.

This programme addressed rebellion not merely as an act of defiance but as a profound assertion of dignity against the absurdities of human systems and the injustices they engender. Through dance, collective protests, and elements of magic, these artists confronted such systems to reveal their motivations, consequences, and ethical dimensions. Acts of Defiance was presented by AOA;87 Gallery at Mahalla Berlin and took place on the 12th, 13th, and 14th of September 2024.

Featured Artists:

Cru Encarnação
Sharon Mercado Nogales
Sarina Panahideh
Marco Schmitt

A highlight was the performance On My Way by Sarina Panahideh, which centered on the journey of a girl fully covered in layers of hijab and scarves, with her head wrapped in a rope. This piece reflected the social patterns and expectations placed on women, particularly in Iran, showcasing their resilience and quest for self-expression. The performance also subtly critiqued executions in Iran, symbolized by the rope around the neck, evoking the feeling of being between life and death. This represented my personal experience as a woman in Iran.

Sarina Panahideh, a Kurdish artist from Iran, began her artistic journey at the age of five. With a background in physical theater and contemporary dance, she addresses critical social issues through compelling narratives. Featured on international channels such as BBC, DW, ARTE, RUDAW CHANNEL, and AVATODAY, Sarina highlights the struggle for women’s freedom. Since 2017, she has expanded her contemporary dance skills through workshops and international theater festivals. Her work transcends boundaries, exploring personal and societal experiences through movement.