Endemic, an exhibition by Kadallah Burrowes

Through a fusion of multimedia experiences, "Endemic" looks at an ongoing apocalypse, where feelings of helplessness, rage, and angst collide in a cacophony of artistic expression. In a convergence of diverse mediums and personas, artist Kadallah Burrowes lays out the crises we face, their interconnectedness, and the urgency of awakening to them. From the fringes of a technological singularity to the commercialization and erasure of spirituality.

"HYPER REEL," is a triptych of programmatic video collages exploring themes of simulation, simulacra, and the relentless march toward an uncertain future. These collages, ever-evolving with each viewing, invite viewers to confront the complexities of our digital age.

"060920WEATHERREPORT," is a short experimental film, the emerging polycrisis of our planet takes center stage, woven into the fabric of a DJ set recorded amidst the sweltering heat of a pandemic-stricken city. Set against the backdrop of a scorching Los Angeles, it serves as a reminder of our collective culpability in the face of environmental devastation.

"Hungry Ghost" is a series of photographs captured across China and Taiwan depicting the shifting landscapes of spiritual practice and cultural identity, highlighting the void left by societal upheaval, and the ways we find to cope. There are two visual motifs particularly interesting to focus on in this search for the spirit in an "atheist" authoritarian country and its freer child: passageways and the juxtaposition of spiritual icons with humans engaged in pleasurable acts.

Accompanying these images is "KINDLING FOR A REALM ON FIRE," a collection of poems that oscillate between scathing social commentary and introspective musings on identity in a world struggling to adapt.

"Endemic" is more than a visual feast—it's an interactive exploration of self-discovery and collective awakening. You are invited to create your own books and zines from assorted writings, poetry, and VR screenplays, forging connections amidst the chaos. Through the process of bookmaking, you are tasked with quite literally making meaning out of the work, taking abstract ideas and tying them to this physical plane. In an exhibition anchored by fast-paced, code-driven work, the interactive experience of creating books offers you time for contemplation.

There will also be a presentation by Nabalayo, Bakhita, chairkicker, and Mbeke with the good hair who are artists in the ANANSI Revolutionary Collective.

Melodies of SUNJIR0 and A9C-388 reverberate through the exhibition space, a sonic landscape that mirrors our collective consciousness—a journey marked by discord, yet punctuated by fleeting glimpses of resilience and transformation. Through its exploration of societal collapse, identity crisis, and environmental decay, "Endemic" lays bare the challenges we face, the harsh realities of a world teetering on the brink of oblivion.

poetry + book making event - Saturday 27.4.24, 3pm
Using different texts from poetry and prose, to VR screenplays and nonfiction to make books and zines. You are invited to create your own custom collections throughout the exhibition.

Bio: Kadallah Burrowes
Kadallah is a trans-disciplinary artist and creative technologist whose innovative body of work encompasses a fusion of multimedia experiences, including programmatic video collages, photography, poetry, prose, and experimental film. Through these diverse media, Kadallah offers a penetrating examination of contemporary themes such as poly-crisis, techno-politics, and environmental decay, inviting viewers to confront the complexities of our world with both urgency and introspection. Their practice, rooted in collaborative social art, seamlessly integrates emerging technologies to provoke thought and foster dialogue on pressing social issues. Currently, Kadallah's research centers on the evolution of distributed artist and activist communities, seeking innovative ways to harness technology for positive social impact. Their artworks have been exhibited in notable venues such as Nafasi Art Space (Dar Es Salaam), Power Station of Art (Shanghai), and MoMA PS1 (New York City), providing audiences with thought-provoking insights into contemporary societal dynamics. Their digital projects, including contributions to platforms like COMMON and collaborations with the City of Seattle, underscore the importance of collective action in response to pressing societal challenges. Kadallah's design of ethical technologies has earned recognition from international institutions such as Microsoft, Intel, and the Biodesign Challenge, underscoring their commitment to using innovation as a catalyst for change. As a co-creator of the ANANSI Revolutionary Collective and a member of The Guild of Future Architects, Kadallah actively engages in shaping the future of trans-disciplinary art and its intersection with technology. Their work has been featured in notable publications including Resident Advisor, China Daily, and Radii China, amplifying their impact within the global artistic community.

Bio:Mbeke with the good hair
Who exactly is Mbeke with the good hair? Until now, they've been nothing more than a concept tucked within the folds in a busy mind. Their creator would argue that their identity matters less than their desire to share something meaningful. Right now, their goal is simple: to ignite a bit of creativity and curiosity.Enter 'One Take,' Mbeke's debut exhibition. It showcases a curated collection of photos captured over a decade, images that would have otherwise remained dormant in the depths of Mbeke's hard drives. Through these snapshots of Mbeke's surroundings and the people within them, art is created - sometimes straightforward, sometimes abstract.

The title of work - 'One Take'

Dimensions - 10 pieces, A4 size, 8.27 x 11.69 inches

Medium - printed photographs

Year of production - 2014 to 2024

Bio: Chairkicker
Chairkicker, also known as Ndung'u Mbithi is a 24 year old artist studying his Bachelors of Music at Kenyatta University. He has a passion for both visual and auditory expression. Chairkicker's artistic journey started with music but he soon intertwined the harmonies of sound and the strokes of paint. Actively using his paintings as cover art for his music. He now aims to separate the two and let the visual art speak outside the music.

The Pretzel - Acrylic on Fabric- 120 × 70cm (2024) - not shown in pictures

Self Portrait's Reflection - 100cm × 80cm (2022) - not shown in pictures

Self Portrait 1 - Acrylic on Wood - 20 × 26 cm (2022)

Tonsillectomy - Acrylic on Wood 60 × 90 cm (2022)

Climbing Up Walls - Acrylic on Wood 90 × 60 cm & Sonata - Acrylic on Wood 94 × 15 cm (were combined to make one larger piece) (2023)

Chair Kicker 1 - Woven Sisal & Acrylic paint 70 × 60 cm (2022)

Memento Mori 1 - Embroidery and Acrylic on Denim 80 × 14 cm (2022)