Nicholas Grafia & Mikolaj Sobczak

24.09.2021

Porträt von Nicholas Grafia (links) und Porträt von Mikolaj Sobczak (rechts) — Photo: privat; Ewa Szatybelko

Shelves & Shelters

›Shelves and Shelters‹ is an artistic research project that uses various performative analytical techniques to study the processes of canonization and the theatrality of library institutions and archives. In this artistic field study, library visitors and their behavior, the architecture and administrative bodies are the subject of critical enquiry.

The research project was supported by Mikolaj Sobczak:

Mikolaj Sobczak studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw, with a scholarship at the Berlin University of the Arts and at the Münster Art Academy. He works with the media of video, painting and ceramics, often in conjunction with performance. He often collaborates with the artist Nicholas Grafia. Both were Guest Fellows at PACT Zollverein in 2020.

Insights into the #TakeCareResidency

Residencies

By accessing the video, you agree that your data will be transmitted to third-party providers (e.g., YouTube / Vimeo). Our privacy policy contains further information about this.

Accept and load video

#ResidencyInsights Nancy Awori

»During the residency program I got an opportunity to work on a short production, which I call ›Shades of Resilience‹. Introducing Fahe Kerubo, a remarkable black queer woman living in Kenya, this episode delves into her personal life, exploring her relationships, struggles with mental health, and the supportive networks she has built. Fahe's journey is a testament to resilience, showcasing her role as a trailblazer who inspires future generations.«

Residencies

Vier Performer:innen, gekleidet in langen, fließenden Gewändern, befinden sich in einer kraftvollen Tanzpose auf einer dunklen Bühne. Sie scheinen sich energisch zu bewegen, mit gebeugten Knien und nach vorn geneigten Oberkörpern. Die Bühne ist minimal beleuchtet, sodass nur die Tänzer in den Fokus geraten.

#ResidencyInsights Salamata Kobre

Die Residenz bei PACT war für Salamata Kobre und ihre Compagnie die letzte Etappe in der Entwicklung des Stücks ›Mangeuses d'âmes‹, das direkt im Anschluss im Juni 2024 seine Premiere am Théâtre Paris-Villette feierte.

On Stage Residencies

Throwback ›Memories & Resistance‹

Current and former residents at PACT provided insights into artistic working processes. With Idylla Silmarovi, Edgar Kanakykõ Xakriabá, iSaAc Espinoza Hidrobo, Roman Jungblut and Qusay Awad.

Residencies

Ein Gruppenfoto mit vier Personen mit Theaterstrahlern leicht von unten angeleuchtet, Bemalungen im Gesicht, in einem Raum mit weißen Vorhängen an den Wänden, Äste und Gestrüpp hinter der Gruppe arrangiert

#ResidencyInsights Kukily Colectivo

»Our residency at PACT was an exciting and intense period of work on our new project XTRÆNCESTRAL, set to premiere at the Lagos Biennial in February 2024. It was also a time to come together and work on our body-based performance practice, after several years of long-distance artistic processes.«

Residencies

Ein Eiswürfelform gefüllt mit Erde aus der Kabel in verschiedenen Farben ragen und die Fächer der Eiswürfelform miteinander verbinden

#ResidencyInsights bacilli

»bacilli (Shotaro Yoshino, Yoshitaka Nanjo & James Jack; based in the archipelago of Japan) listen closely to the energy of microorganisms inside the soil in Zollverein—what do these bacteria inside of land say to us? In this residency we layered geological research on coal memories, oral histories with residents in Ruhr on what gives them energy today and connecting power circuits with imaginative thinking.«

Residencies

Raz Slavarito mit bunter Projektion auf dem Gesicht

Retrospektive: Residency Café Plants & Memories

Changing memories of weather phenomena or plants as sources of food and reservoirs of knowledge: the open Residency Café ›Plants & Memories‹ offered insights into the work of resident artists Razcel Jan Salvarita and aniara rodado.

Residencies

En Skater spring mit seinem Skateboard über eine liegende Person im Flur von PACT Zollverein

#ResidencyInsights Márcio Kerber Canabarro

»When I grasp an environment is acknowledging me, I feel a strong sense of continuation, (and extension) of belonging. It might be a mutual process, where my focus gets curious to notice where I am, the place, the situation, the density of a particular room, the feelings that rise and the sensations that leave...«

Residencies

Sahar sitzt auf einem grünen Samtsofa und schaut mit dem Kopf auf die Hand gestützt in die Kamera.

#ResidencyInsights Sahar Damoni

Sahar Damoni’s new work is a multi-disciplinary solo performance installation which continues her research around reproductive and sexual freedom, bodily autonomy, and the impact of abortion for Arab women. The work will combine movement, photography and video projection and textiles that serve as a visual art element.

Residencies

Koloto Siraji in einem weißen Anzug auf einer schwarzen Bühne im Lichtkegel

#ResidencyInsights Koloto Siraji

»During my residency at PACT, I was questioning the nature of a living body from the perspective of an African. This involved reflecting on my own childhood traumas and transgenerational conflicts as well as looking at an African body as an archive of transgenerational history. How do I contain the energies that were passed on to me by my ancestors? How do I live with past traumas in the present?«

Residencies

Emmanuel Ndefo hockt vor einer Leinwand mit einer Fotografie von einem performenden Mann

#ResidencyInsights Emmanuel Ndefo

»Adamma- ›The Passage‹ is a solo performance based on the 'Adamma' maiden spirit ritual, touching on forms of transgression and of shape shifting through embodiment and African ancestral spirituality. In this work, I will explore Igbo maiden spirit rituals of crossdressing, transsexualism and transvestism as subversive places, where the notion of subjectivity is challenged, where gender norms are questioned, and where identity is always perceived as capable of construction, invention and change.«

Residencies

Die Performer:innen sitzen mit bedeckten Gesichtern auf einer roten Samtcouch

#ResidencyInsights María Mercedes Flores Mujica, Constanza Javiera Ruiz, Brigitte Huezo & Hendrik Eichler

Our residency in PACT was the second rehearsal period for the production ›What, Where, When are we?!‹ a work that sets out to explore the question of whether identity is rooted in one space and time. It is a rhythmical approach to transnational and multidimensional embodied experiences. Four performers on stage, live drums, and radio stations create sound layers that interweave with body memories.

Residencies

caner teker during their residency at PACT Zollverein

#ResidencyInsights caner teker

»After ›KIRKPINAR‹ & ›karadeniz‹, my new research on queer androgynous belly dancers called ›köçek‹ will conclude in a trilogy about the trans-individualist self beyond identity politics. Death, mourning and its affects continue my motivation in inviting witnesses to a shared experience of a temporary community in the black box.«

All articles

Nicholas Grafia & Mikolaj Sobczak

Insights into the #TakeCareResidency