Rapper, poet and author Omar Musa and artist Abdul Abdullah speak about how self-expression, creativity and story-telling has given each a powerful...
Vivid Art After Hours: 'Other' Voices
NSW
Australia
Featuring
Access and Inclusion
Event Details
Rapper, poet and author Omar Musa and artist Abdul Abdullah speak about how self-expression, creativity and story-telling has given each a powerful ‘voice’ to explore issues of identity and culture in modern Australia. After the talk Omar performs a selection of his blisteringly eloquent poems. Then, OKENYO will blow you away with her electronic soul and powerful voice.
Omar Musa, a Malaysian - Australian rapper, poet and award winning author is known for confronting the dark realities of Australian history and culture. His critically acclaimed debut novel Here Comes the Dogs is described by The Guardian as “at once tender, beautiful, gritty and raw”. As part of Sydney Festival, his recent solo performance at Griffin Theatre Since Ali Died was a hypnotic and unmissable hour of theatre. Hear Omar’s take on everything from suburban violence to lost love to his Malaysian heritage and growing up as a brown skinned Muslim boy in Queanbeyan.
Abdul Abdullah works across painting, photography, video, installation and performance. As a self-described ‘outsider amongst outsiders’, his practice is primarily concerned with the experience of the ‘other’ in society. Abdullah’s projects have engaged with different marginalized minority groups and the experience of young Muslims in the contemporary multicultural Australian context. A finalist in the Archibald and Wynne prizes in many years, he was shortlisted along with his brother Abdul-Rahman Abdullah to represent Australia in the 2019 Venice Biennale.
OKENYO has been described as ‘equal parts Frank Ocean, Grace Jones and M.I.A’. Her voice is bewitching and she pushes the boundaries of electronic soul and pop. She is best known for the song Woman’s World from her debut album The Wave and has just released the new single Hang Your Hat. OKENYO proudly shows her vulnerability and her strength through her lyrics. Catch this star on the rise.
Topical talks and live music are just part of the entertainment each evening. Stay for a free drawing workshop. Vivid Art After Hours events are free and everyone is welcome. While you’re there, catch the Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prize 2019 exhibition too (admission prices apply).