Opening Brothers and Sisters + Broer
2nd of May from 3:00 till 9:00 PM with music!
Brothers and Sisters is an exhibition and publication by Roeland Otten centered on venavi figures: wooden statuettes from the Ewe culture in West Africa, created to commemorate deceased siblings of twins.
Brothers and Sisters begins with a simple question: now that these objects are (nevertheless) here, how might we look at them?
Rather than viewing the venavi figures solely as ethnographic artifacts or exotic curiosities, the project proposes approaching them as carriers of ideas about family, presence, and time. They embody a worldview in which the boundary between the living and the dead is porous, and in which relationships do not end when someone disappears.
Broer (Brother) is an ongoing photographic series of portraits of local men who have addressed Florian Braakman as “brother.” The project began in Delfshaven, where he lives, but has since expanded to other neighborhoods and cities. As an informal and friendly term of affection, “brother” evokes a sense of connection between strangers that transcends backgrounds and family ties. Broer emerged from encounters in shared and public spaces such as the barbershop, the market, and local shops.
The exhibition takes place at Galerie De Zolder and runs from May 2 through June 7. Open Fri - Sun from 12:00 till 5:00PM
#expo @studiodezolder #cbkrdammaaktmogelijk @CBKRotterdam@afroboticmusicology@florianbraakman
NEXT THURSDAY — screening at De Zolder
IN THIS TOGETHER
An experimental documentary by @lisette.olsthoorn exploring the realities of Uber cab drivers through reenactment and collaboration.
19.15 walk-in & soup
20.00 screening
21.15 talk & drinks
See you there ✨
On the occasion of the exhibition Brothers and Sisters, I made a booklet featuring portraits of 75 Venavi figures, preceded by a text that attempts to respond to the questions this presentation raises.
Brothers and Sisters begins with a simple question: now that these objects are here, how can we look at them?
Rather than approaching the Venavi figures solely as ethnographic artefacts or exotic curiosities, the project proposes to see them as carriers of ideas about family, presence, and time. They embody a worldview in which the boundary between the living and the dead is porous, and in which relationships do not end when someone disappears. The object becomes a focal point for memory and affect, and in doing so sustains the presence of a spirit.
At the same time, the Global North is experiencing a period of increasing individualism. Traditional family structures are under pressure, while the idea of the “chosen family” becomes ever more important. Within this tension, Brothers and Sisters asks what we might learn from other ways of thinking about kinship and care. What forms of attention and devotion become visible in practices surrounding Venavi figures? And how do these relate to our own ways of dealing with loss, memory, and family?
The project also touches on a second opposition: that between animist object practices and the digital culture in which we live. In many West African religious traditions, including practices connected to Vodun, objects function as carriers of presence and meaning. They concentrate attention around one story, one relationship, one thought. Contemporary technologies — especially the smartphone — promise access to the total knowledge of the world, while in practice often producing a continuous stream of distraction, commercial stimuli, and polarisation.
Booklets are available at the exposition for E15,- ...if you can't make it to the expo but you want to buy the publication, send me a message (dm)
The opening of Brothers and Sisters + Broer. The exhibition still runs till 7th of June at @studiodezolder - open Fri - Sun from 12 till 05PM / Graaf Florisstraat 22A in Rotterdam
//Faroffa - At @studiodezolder MOMO festival @motelmozaique
By @annekaerefotografie
FAROFFA is a vibrant cultural event, and was part of the MOMO Festival (Motel Mozaïque) in Rotterdam, bringing together the energy, food, and music of Cabo Verde and Brazil at Studio de Zolder.
So much care and love lived in every detail.
A gathering we will remember for a long time.
#faroffa #motelmozaique #rotterdam #musicandfood #connection
OUR OFFICIAL PROGRAM FOR SABORA DAY!!! 🪩✨
24th of April, 15:00 - 21:00
Studio de Zolder, Graaf Florisstraat 22A, 3021 CH Rotterdam
Enjoy some art and live music, learn how to lino print, or just come chill with us!
Entrance is completely free, no need to rsvp just pass by whenever you feel like it☀️
Almost two weeks ago, we launched our first P2P gathering at Worm. An evening where everything came together and the essence of the concept came alive. From exchanging thoughts to sounds, words, and ideas! We want to thank everyone who contributed to the event. It was a magical night.
Photo’s by @annekaerefotografie
FAROFFA X MOMO at De Zolder - 18.04.’26
We’re really proud to announce our program for the upcoming edition at @studiodezolder . We’re excited to welcome you all on the 18th of April.
Our program starts early, so we hope to catch you on time to enjoy the full FAROFFA experience.
For the first time, we’ll be screening a movie. We asked the talented filmmaker @nuno.boaventura.miranda if he wanted to participate, and his answer was: “Say no more!” Kmêdeus is his first film, and he’s very proud to share this beautiful piece with us. 🎥🍿🏝️
Have you always wanted to learn how to play percussion? Then we’ve got something special for you, @krmen.mn will be bringing a variety of instruments and hosting a workshop.
Join the band and let’s make some noise 🥁🪘🪇
Flor de Esperança is a Cabo Verdean group that will perform the traditional dance mazurca. They’re coming with a big group, and they’ll probably invite you to join them, so bring your dancing shoes 💃🏻✨🕺🏾
There will be records played in between the shows. We didn’t have to look far to find the right person to set the vibe @wes_ver_ . Our own @mf_andrade_ will also join the DJ booth between performances.
And of course, we’ll be serving a traditional Cabo Verdean dish: a vegan cachupa for everyone. Be on time to make sure you can fill your belly.
We’d like to thank @motelmozaique for inviting us to be part of the festival. Thank you for letting us do what we love. We hope to see you there and share this beautiful day together.
Event: 13.00 - 20.00
De Zolder Graaf Florisstraat 22a
#faroffa #motelmozaique #dezolder #festival #culture
@StudiodeZolder & WORM invite you to create together.
connect, contribute, and exchange directly with each other
During @rotterdamartweek we host a P2P Gathering*. Different creatives, collectives, artists and everyone curious share their stories and learn from each other through conversion with art, performance and music during the night.
Artists:
Yazz Maevis (live): Harpist.
21:15 Dani: vinyl DJ.
21:55 Johnweird. DJ
22:35 Angellucky. DJ.
23:15 Wander Vanhoucke (live) & VJ Era. Pianist & VJ.
00:00 Miikkii: DJ.
*P2P Gathering is an artistic and experimental gathering that explores peer-to-peer principles within a live event context.
28 March
WORM Rotterdam
tickets -> worm.org
FAROFFA - MOTEL MOZAIQUE SATURDAY 18th of APRIL
Dear everyone, we hope you’re doing well! After a winter break, FAROFFA is heading back out into the streets again. We’re excited to see both our regulars and some new faces at our next edition.
This time, we’re collaborating with @motelmozaique , and we’re returning to the place that hosted our very first event away from our home at @studiodezolder
We’re putting together a really exciting program that will showcase the culture of Cabo Verde & Brazil, featuring traditional dance, workshop, movie + talk, vinyl DJs, and of course a traditional dish.
We’ll announce the full program soon, so keep an eye on our page. We hope to come together again on April 18th at @studiodezolder •
Beautiful pics by @annekaerefotografie
Graaf Florisstraat 22a Rotterdam
Event starts 13.00 - 20.00
#faroffa #motelmozaique #momofestival #dezolder #rotterdam
🧈 Kom samen met Roos botanische koekjes bakken & versieren, onder genot van een onkruid cocktail 🍸 in een tuin die niet bestaat
@museumnacht010 ! 🍪 Zaterdag 7 maart, 19-23u (het start & eindigt wat eerder bij ons)
Graaf Florisstraat 22a Rotterdam
