Writers Lola Olufemi and Yara Rodriguez Fowler in conversation | SG1, Alison Richard Building, 7 West Rd
Arts
Fine Art
Join the Ambivalent Archives Network event on February 8, 2024, to witness a conversation between esteemed writers Lola Olufemi and Yara Rodriguez Fowler. This event will take place in Room SG1 at the Alison Richard Building, 7 West Road, Cambridge.
The Ambivalent Archives Network aims to delve into the multifaceted world of archival practices and critical engagements. Recognizing the exclusionary nature of archives, the network actively explores uncertainty and speculation towards the archive. Drawing inspiration from scholars like Saidiya Hartman and grassroots online collectives like The Museum of Ephemera and Archive Stories, the network seeks to reflect on critical fabulation and the possibilities of archiving.
The network originated from a reading group that brought together a diverse group of individuals, including undergraduates, postgraduates, staff members, local archivists, librarians, and visiting academics. Together, they explored topics such as the constitution of archives, the Black transatlantic archive, queer archival feelings, and embodiment in the archive. The work of influential figures like Stuart Hall, Michelle Caswell, and Julietta Singh formed the basis of stimulating discussions.
Building upon these critical reflections, the network will expand its focus to include textual and literary archives, postcolonial archives, intimate archiving, and community archiving. To foster a comprehensive approach, the network will host reading groups and speaker events with academics, activists, and writers. Additionally, each term will culminate in a creative workshop led by Ambivalent Archives and a visiting artist.
Participants will be encouraged to engage in their own personal archival practice, be it through photography, sound recording, collaging, or maintaining a commonplace book. Through these workshops and events, the network aims to create a space for critical reflection and exploration of archival practices and their potential.
Don't miss this opportunity to engage with the Ambivalent Archives Network and expand your understanding of archival practices. Admission to the event is free. Visit the Ambivalent Archive website for more information and access to previous readings.