George Floyd’s killing at the hands of an institution which is supposed to ‘serve and protect’ unleashed a global outpouring of rage, anguish and despair. Around the world people mobilised and took to the streets demanding an end to institutional systemic racism. And in some countries, statues were toppled at the hands of the public. This begs the question: Who do monuments represent and who do they speak for? And what is your artistic practice for and what is its relevancy? Where are you in this climate of change?

On December 7, 2020 ArtEZ studium generale organised this online Kitchen Table Converstation in which vocalist, movement artist and composer Elaine Mitchener talked with us about this question and focused on the unheard voices of statues, rooms, places. Central in her conversation was Benjamin’s concept and practice of memory: ‘Eingedenken’, that takes remembrance as an act of responsibility. How do we choose to remember? History is written by the victors, said Benjamin, and the consequences resonate for ages. The conversation has been moderated by Djuwa Mroivili (HALT, bachelor of Music, classical piano) and Ruth van Lenthe (alumna master Education in Arts).

The conversation was moderated by Djuwa Mroivili (HALT, bachelor of Music, classical piano) and Ruth van Lenthe (alumna master Education in Arts).