Voices in the Iranian Diaspora
This multidisciplinary event showcases artists of Iranian origin, reflecting on the complex experiences of their own or their parent’s exile in so-called Western countries.
This gathering is about challenging and redefining the narratives imposed on the Iranian’s diaspora communities. We will delve into the creative methods and expressions of artists who build contemporary bridges with their heritage and identity. We will explore prevailing codes and clichés within the art scene and broader societal narratives, creating a safe space for pride and introspection.
"Voices in the Iranian Diaspora" is open to all, with a diverse program that explores identity, culture, gender, performance, screenings and talks, live music, and club music.
The event is divided in two chapters
DAY: Collective Cooking Workshop: In our restaurant, a small group will engage in the communal act of cooking.
Evening: The evening will take place in all our spaces with different thematics:
- Performance & Grime Concert: The concert room will come alive with a drag performance followed by a high-energy trap music concert.
- Short Films & Discussion: The big hall will host all night a reading, a discussion and screenings of short films focused on gender and sexuality, encouraging deep and meaningful dialogue.
- Dance : As the night progresses, The restaurant will transform into a club, providing a space for attendees to dance and connect.
This event is curated by Ramin & Mona
Voices in the Iranian Diaspora x collective cooking workshop
In the presence of food, a contemplation on the tradition of group cooking in Iran
در پیشگاه خوراک؛ درنگی بر سنت پخت و پزگروهی در ایران
In the presence of food, a contemplation on the tradition of group cooking in Iran
By: Maryam Alinejad Ebrahim
Aush Reshte is a type of thick noodle soup with a thousand years of history in Iran. This food holds a central place in collective cooking, which was mostly led by women or under their supervision. Collective cooking, driven by religious and ritual reasons, holds strong motives that have made it an enduring tradition. For hundreds of years, Iranians have been exploring and enhancing their social connection through collective culinary activity which represents the democratic approach of their life, as well as their mentality. Intimicy, and care (Mosahebat and Moasherat) are some of key points embodied in the collective cooking. They found out that food, as a fundamental aspect of life, can potentially create opportunities for solidarity, generosity, care, support, and, last but not least, resilience.
During this event, 8 to 10 people gather to explore this tradition in various and divergent contexts. Every participant contributes to the cooking. The entire food preparation process, its history, and how is represented in the language will be explained. Contemplation (Taamol) is the key word in this activity. How Taamol was explained and practiced through cooking will be explored. The entire cooking process takes about 4 to 6 hours. The activity involves sitting on the ground around what is called a Sofreh, which is a cloth for placing the food while making or eating it. The artist Maryam Alinejad is providing it which is a handmade cloth with embroidered pattern. The Sofreh provides a sense of connection and intimacy. Sofreh itself has a definition and character which also will be discussed with the participants. Some pieces of cloth are available for participants to write or draw on regarding the whole experience. Later these pieces with text or drawings will be sewed on to preserve the designs.
Maryam Alinejad Ebrahim : Maryam Alinejad Ebrahim was born 1981 in Iran. She studied painting and art research in her home country. She moved to Switzerland in 2018 to pursue a master’s degree in TRANS – Socially Engaged Artistic Practices at the Haute école d'art et de design (HEAD) in Geneva. The program at HEAD provided her with the opportunity to explore new methodologies and engage with contemporary social issues through art. Since then, she has been living and working in Geneva. Maryam's participatory artistic practice focuses on resilience through collective endeavors. Her work often revisits and reinterprets traditional Iranian collective activities, exploring how these practices enabled individuals, especially women, to create democratic spaces through their communal efforts. By situating these traditions in contemporary contexts, she highlights their enduring relevance and exploring the strength derived from communal solidarity. In her contemporary projects, Maryam places these traditional practices within modern contexts, demonstrating their enduring relevance. She is exploring how to involve community members in the creation process. This approach not only enriches her work but also fosters a sense of ownership and connection among participants.
This event was suggested by Trinity Njume-Ebong, Co-curator of Les Complices *
Voices in the Iranian Diaspora - Evening
Performance, Concert & Club
Evening: The evening will take place in all our spaces with different happenings:
Drag Performance & Trap Concert: The concert room will come alive with a drag performance followed by a high-energy trap music concert.
Short Films & Discussion: The big hall will host all night a reading, a discussion and screenings of short films focused on gender and sexuality, encouraging deep and meaningful dialogue.
Dance : As the night progresses, The restaurant will transform into a club, providing a space for attendees to dance and connect.
This event is curated by Ramin & Mona
BR.
19:30 Performance - Danial Seyed Aboudi
Exit: a forgotten festival where tragedy rediscovers its primary function: to be the necessary, obscure double of the political game, to remind us of the wanderings of beings and the original dysfunction of all human organisation. it's the enigma of humanity on the verge of becoming a society, the immemorial tragedy of a collective life always threatened with self-destruction.There is a territory without vulgarity, without moral halftones, where solitude, art and the sacred commune infinitely.
This project joins us in a solar theatrical hymn of flesh and blood, cries and colors, in the name of love and beauty, in the name of life and death.
20:45 Concert - Tardast
Meet Tardast: The Visionary MC Pioneering Grime in Persian
Hailing from the vibrant UK scene, pioneering the fusion of Grime with Persian influences since his immigration in 2015. Proudly affiliated with his Manteq family, his music bridges Tehran, Birmingham, Liverpool, London and Europe. In the past six years, he has made waves with five albums. His UK debut, "Marwa," was a collaborative effort with Circadian Rhythms, introducing listeners to the rich tapestry of Persian sounds with the raw energy of Grime.Following the success of "Marwa," he continued to push boundaries with "Bikeshvar Vol 2 & 3," blending alternative with electronic and psychedelic drill elements.
Now, he embarks on a new chapter with two highly anticipated albums slated for release this summer. First up is the deluxe version of his acclaimed album, "L2R (Leave to Remain)," released last summer. The deluxe edition promises even more sonic innovation and introspective lyricism.
Alongside the deluxe edition, Tardast will drop "GRIM£ FARSI," a collection of classics spanning his career. "GRIM£ FARSI" captures the evolution of his sound, bringing a fresh wave of creativity to the Grime scene. As he gears up for a mini EU tour in July 2024, anticipation is palpable. Join Tardast as he blazes a trail through this journey, leaving an indelible mark on the scene for the years to come.
KW
23h - End DJ-SETS:
Ramin
With Swiss and Iranian roots, Ramin has been a prominent figure on the Geneva music scene since 2019. He has graced prestigious stages including the Montreux Jazz Festival, Transmusicales de Rennes, Paléo Festival in Nyon, and more.
Ramin curates cultural and club events in collaboration with local venues in Geneva such as Le Rez - L'Usine (hosting the Nowrouz Club night in 2022 and 2024), Le Groove (in 2023 and 2024), Bongo Joe Records (Yalda Nights in 2021-2022-2023), and L'Ecurie (Chaharshanbe Suri - Soirées de soutien).
Currently, Ramin holds a residency at La Gravière where he co-curates Club Salaam, showcasing international artists from the SWANA region and its diaspora. This initiative creates a unique space for community, cultural gatherings, and festive parties in Geneva. Additionally, Ramin explores his musical heritage and current club music inspirations through radio shows.
With a diverse repertoire spanning bass and electronic rhythms infused with retro, acoustic, and synth-pop sounds from around the world, Ramin offers club experiences that transcend borders and ignite dance floors in any setting.
Mona
Based in Lausanne (CH), Mona is a passionate music collector. As a resident DJ on Toulouse's Egregore radio with her monthly show "STRCR," she draws inspiration from her Iranian heritage and love for soundsystems. For over a decade, she has immersed herself in dancefloors and raving culture, forging a deep, visceral connection to music. Her dynamic arrangements blend wobbles, riddims, driving rhythms, and mutant sounds.
