The Black Archives Unveils Inaugural Exhibition, Highlighting Black and Revolutionary History in Amsterdam
The Black Archives in Amsterdam recently opened its doors to a landmark event: its very first exhibition, titled "Black and Revolutionary: The Story of Hermina & Otto Huiswoud." This significant show, which began on November 25, 2017, sheds light on the impactful lives of two Black revolutionaries whose journeys in the 1920s spanned the globe in a fervent fight against colonialism, racism, and economic inequality.
The exhibition provides an in-depth look at Hermina and Otto Huiswoud, figures whose contributions to history are vital yet often overlooked. Their story is presented not just as a historical account but also through the lens of contemporary art, aiming to connect past struggles with present-day activism.
Exploring the Vision Behind The Black Archives
Founded in 2016 by the New Urban Collective, The Black Archives operates from the Vereniging Ons Suriname building. It serves as a crucial repository, managing extensive collections of books, archives, and artifacts inherited from Black writers and scholars. Beyond preservation, the organization actively fosters knowledge exchange on cultural diversity through various events.
According to Mitchell Esajas, a co-founder of New Urban Collective, the decision to host an exhibition stemmed from a desire to broaden their reach. While debates, lectures, and workshops engage a specific audience, art offers a pathway to a wider public, providing space for artists and exhibition makers to interpret the rich historical knowledge housed within the archives.
Art and Activism: Iris Kensmil's Contribution
Artist Iris Kensmil plays a pivotal role in the exhibition, with her work forming a central component. Kensmil was drawn to the project after learning about Hermina Huiswoud's story, a historical figure she realized was surprisingly unknown to her despite her significance in Dutch history. This personal discovery underscored the critical role of archives like The Black Archives in uncovering hidden narratives.
Kensmil, who often incorporates archival material into her art, views The Black Archives as an essential resource for research into anti-racism and decolonization, particularly enriching for the younger generation in the Netherlands. For her contribution to "Black and Revolutionary," Kensmil focused on depicting contemporary anti-racism activists in the Netherlands, aiming for her art to not just observe but also activate change.
Jessica de Abreu, another co-founder of New Urban Collective, emphasizes the crucial role of art in driving social change, drawing parallels to how art projects have historically influenced anti-racist movements. The exhibition deliberately aims to highlight how the era of the Huiswouds represented an important anti-racist wave, connecting it to a longer tradition of resistance often obscured from common narratives.
Understanding these intertwined histories is vital for navigating present realities and for empowering younger generations to grasp the continuous nature of anti-racist struggles. The Black Archives and its exhibitions stand as a testament to this ongoing effort, offering a space for reflection and a catalyst for continued dialogue.
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