The Body as Nation, Lizette Nin
The new season begins at HAUS, Espacio de arte y prácticas contemporáneas with the in situ residency of artist Lizette Nin. The body as a nation project stems from a deep reflection on migration and its impact on those who, outside their country of origin, are confronted with stereotypes associated with the condition of the immigrant and the identity of their country of origin.
Lizette Nin, in collaboration with BAR project, embarks on the creation of a living and collaborative residency, seeking to transform the workshop space into something more than a site of introspection for the artist. The workshop will become an open space for collaboration that aims to deconstruct the notion of ‘otherness’, involving migrants and non-migrants living in Barcelona.
At the same time, the artist gives shape to the “homeland” by materialising it through the recycling of materials such as paper, cardboard and locally collected organic matter. These works are created from the nomadic perspective of the migrant, working with what is available. This approach reflects the need to adapt to the circumstances and resources available, and resonates with the experiences of many migrants.
The concept of the nation-home can also be linked to the work of black writers who explore identity and diaspora. African-American writer Ta-Nehisi Coates, for example, reflects on the black experience in the United States and the construction of identity in a context of forced migration and racial discrimination in Between the World and Me. Coates addresses similar themes of displacement and identity construction, providing a valuable perspective. In the context of ‘The Body as Nation’, we can also turn to the work of renowned black author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. In her work ‘Americanah’, Adichie addresses the experience of the African diaspora and explores the complexities of identity and belonging in the context of migration.
Public programme of the residency
HAUS, Carrer de la Ciutat de Granada, 34-36, Barcelona
Wednesday 31 January, 7 p.m.
“Open the door to enter, jump over the wall”.
First public activation of the residency. Nin joins artist and ally Roshni Kavate in an exercise of opening and intention, opening the threshold that marks the beginning of activations over the following months. A toast of warm Jamaican water with ginger, a meditative exercise to feel each other’s hearts and humanise each other.
Wednesday 21 February, 7 p.m.
Conversation with Papalaye, activist from Topmanta Barcelona, where we will reflect on the different types of migration and what it means in different bodies. How the national socio-political situation is one of the crucial factors that make the migration process happen.
Wednesday 20 March, 7 p.m.
“My two sisters”.
Together with Licelotte Nin, multidisciplinary artist, playwright and teacher, and Agnes Essonti, artist, Spanish-Cameroonian photographer, we will talk about what it means to create safe spaces for creativity and existence. Also about how partnerships are part of creating these safe spaces and the importance of creating community among women.
Wednesday 24 April, 7 p.m.
“Migrating as a queer-gay-trans person”.
A talk with Andrea; activist, queer person, agender trans femme, Andres Schwerer, Dominican artist and photographer, migrant, and Dr. Diego Posada Gómez, multidisciplinary artist, migrant and Colombian teacher.
Wednesday 19 June, 7 p.m.
Opening of Lizette Nin’s solo exhibition.