The Desire Project (2016) is composed of a three act video installation, in which Grada Kilomba uses the written word as the only visual element, accompanied by an rhythmical drumming as a metaphorical voice, indicating the emergence of a speaker who has been historically silenced by colonial narratives. Before entering the video installation, one passes a shrine dedicated to the ancestor Escrava Anastácia, whose mouth has been sealed. Kilomba raises the questions of ‘who can speak’ and ‘what can we speak about’ before entering the visual space.
Commissioned by the 32. Bienal de São Paulo (2016).
The. Desire Project, 2016, three-channel video installation, HD, black and white, one sound channel, 2’36’’, in loop, with environment, printed impressions and a shrine composed of candles, coffee, water, flowers, beads, bowl, pipe. Dimensions variable.
Selected Exhibition History:
Selected Exhibition History:
2016. 32. Bienal de São Paulo
2017 MAAT - Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology, Lisbon
2018 The Power Plant, Toronto
2021. Amant Foundation, New York
2024 Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia, Madrid
Installation views: (1), (2), (3) Grada Kilomba, Secrets to Tell, 2017, Solo Exhibition at MAAT - Museum of Architecture, Art and Technology, Lisbon; (4), (5), (6) Grada Kilomba, 32. Bienal de São Paulo, 2016; (7), (8), (9) Stills.