The Complex presents an exhibition of new work created an curated Osaro Azams at The Gallery, commissioned by Complex curator Mark O'Gorman.
'Things Are Tough - Things Are Glorious', is an original Super 8 film. Shot over one day in London, the film captures a visit that Osaro made to her immediate family, who emigrated from Ireland; her parents had initially moved to Ireland from Nigeria.
Although Osaro's family is a short distance away geographically, the film carries a sense of reconnection with the present while referencing the past. Scenes shift from Osaro’s parents and siblings filmed in real time to close-ups of old photos of extended family members, held in the frame until they blur out. Osaro’s unfamiliarity with the Super 8 medium gives her freedom to use the
camera in a way that's unbound to tradition.
This newly commissioned film will be screened at The Complex Gallery with live opening and closing performances. Osaro has collaborated with musicians Effie (vocalist), Farah Elle (vocals and keyboard), Aaliyah (bass player), Eftichia Spyridaki, to develop a live score for the short film, which will be performed at the exhibition's preview on November 29. Caoimhe Lavelle will create live drawings on the opening night alongside the musical performances.
At the closing reception Osaro will present an original music composition with the artist
Aaliyah while the skin artist Vatican Jail will perform illustrations on willing bodies.
'Things Are Tough - Things Are Glorious' will run at The Gallery from 30 November - 5 December, with an opening ticketed performance on 29 November (6-6:30 pm)
Find tickets & more info on the exhibition here.
About the Artist:
Osaro Azams is a multi-award-winning audio-visual artist with a fascination for West African mythos. Her recent work delves into the literal Black arts of lonesome prayers, sensual poetry and guttural vocal chords which she infuses in her live performances during the spring and hermit seasons. Founder of the Fried Plantains Collective , Osaro celebrates the melodious voices of African & Irish artists through her event 'Black Jam' which took place at Abbey Theatre, The Complex, Bello Bar and at the Centre Culturel Irlandais in France.