Art collectives Stories of Kathak and CTRL+ALT+IDENTITY respectively emerged in 2019 and 2021. Both collectives walk/dance different paths and histories, but have one thing in common: fighting for social justice for Women of Colour in the Global North, specifically The Netherlands. From our marginalized positions we constantly navigate, negotiate and claim our spaces in dominant white institutions, but also exist and thrive outside them. Our guiding principle within this fight is: we have always been connected. It emerged during the creation of CTRL+ALT+IDENTITY and grew further in Stories of Kathak. By doing so, we decolonize from the idea that art is an individual expression and something separate from life. But how does this work? And how can you make sure those principles sustain when your white environment demands something else?
For the audio recording click here.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
About the speaker:
Anima Jhagroe-Ruissen (she/her) identifies as Social Artivist. Through dance and henna she challenges, with other Woman of Color, dominant narratives and explores alternative worlds beyond resistance. They create spaces where they can be together, learn through their senses and bodily archives and talk about their experiences and positionalities in relation to each other and life of Earth. Important elements in her art praxis are collectiveness, intersectional and decolonial approaches, materiality and her life experiences as a mix of Surinamese-Hindustani and Dutch-Zeeuwse descent.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Reading & listening tips:
Artistic Talks | CTRL+ALT+IDENTITY: https://youtu.be/MXbuW1MO-U0?si=UQljgSXIstC0Dlby
Grassroots network and organization for decolonization 