Vernacular architecture, embodied knowledge in communities, Black Muslim spaces & experiences, & historic and contemporary houses of wisdom.
We’re excited to invite you to Houses of Wisdom: Exploring traditions of knowledge in Muslim and vernacular architecture across sub-Saharan Africa event and exhibition at HOME.
Guest curated by BFA’s curatorial team Abiba Coulibaly, Hafsa Adan, Hanifah Sogbanmu, Melissa Haniff and Sahar Ibrahim in partnership with MFest, join us to explore the vernacular architecture in western and central Africa, and the traditions of knowledge that are carried in the built environment.
BFA will also be looking at the Black Muslim experience of the diaspora, considering how spaces of worship and objects for ritual cater to the communities’ needs, what our historic and contemporary houses of wisdom are like, and showcasing archives and contributions from the community.
We are so excited to be hosting guest speakers and recorded contributions Mukhtara Yusuf (pre- recorded), Abiba Coulibaly (pre-recorded) and Hudda Khaireh (IRL).
Abiba Coulibaly
Urban History & Culture Graduate
Hudda Khaireh
Independent Researcher & Artist
Mukhtara Yusuf
Maker, Facilitator, Scholar, Artist & Designer
We will kick off on Saturday 11 September at 2pm hearing from our guest speakers and contributors. Tickets are free but must be booked in advance.
We hope to have attendees sitting on the floor with shoes off, reminiscent of traditional spaces of learning, however chairs will be available if this is not possible.A prayer corner and tea will be available on the day.
If for any reason your plans change, please do cancel your tickets so it can be made available to others. The exhibition will be open to view from 4-5pm.
Please note that you do not have to Black or Muslim to attend. We ask that you respect the space and the people that it has been created for.
The exhibition may also be open on Sunday 12th to view (Time TBC).
Watch a Recording of the Audio Visual Exhibition here.
The event is taking place at HOME, a multifunctional creative space concept born out of the hunger for a more grounded art space with both a well curated presentation of exhibitions, and a wide programme of events. HOME is one of very few black owned art spaces within London, and one of the only to be artist led, with a leading focus on supporting Black and Indigenous People of Colour. HOME responds directly to the personal and communal need for a more honest and representative space, that cares deeply for the artists we present and the community of people that we welcome in to our space.
MFest is a multi-arts festival of Muslim knowledge and creativity bringing together artists, activists, thinkers, organisations and collectives to celebrate the collective power of diverse Muslim communities, connect with our roots and imagine thriving futures.