To Tell Your Own Story / Degrés Est: Adriann Béghin

To Tell Your Own Story
Artists: Tony Cokes, Zehra Doğan, Rahima Gambo/Tatsuniya Artist Collective, Inner Light, Rory Pilgrim, Gaia Vincensini, Anna Witt/Jugendforum Gröpelingen

Our post-truth era is witnessing the fragmentation of collective narratives. The profound transformation of social ties is echoed by an increased questioning of the founding myths of nations—or at least of those nations who have the luxury to show off their history. Contested by emancipatory movements that seek to liberate speech, the traditional channels for disseminating shared narratives—such as education and mass media—are losing their aura and authority.

The invited artists have worked, often on a long-term basis, with or within groups whose stories they tell. This choice allows them to approach authorship differently. Instead of extracting and appropriating the stories of others, they name the group whose story is told and acknowledge their contribution—in doing so, they change their role and become companions, catalysts and revelators.

The collective stories to which they have given shape are sung, spoken, drawn, embroidered or danced. They come from grand history’s backstage and from society’s margins. Without papering over difference, they reveal common spaces, the fragility and richness of human bonds, as well as the capacity of stories to narrate and challenge reality, transcend experiences and collectively emancipate ourselves from the past.

The exhibition is curated by Fanny Gonella, director of the 49 Nord 6 Est – Frac Lorraine, in collaboration with Sophie Potelon, head of programs.

The exhibition is supported by: Fluxus Art Projects (Rory Pilgrim and Rahima Gambo), ProHelvetia (Gaia Vincensini)
Partner: Kunsthalle Bremen (Anna Witt)

Degrés Est: Adriann Béghin
Adriann Béghin (b. 1995, Toulouse, lives and works in Lille), graduated from ESAD in Reims in 2020. She is invited for the Degré Est program by Marie Griffay, director of Frac Champagne-Ardenne. For her first exhibition in a cultural institution, the artist presents a family of ceramic creatures.

Events
Opening: September 7, 6–9pm
With a performance by Adriann Béghin.

Gardens of (im)possible pleasures: September 22, 4–7pm
Poetry, gardening and discussions with queer communities to create alternative histories (with MUDAM, Luxembourg).
Jardins communautaires Marsha P. Johnson et Sylvia Rivera, Metz

Pop sings Art (Subjective guided tours): October 4, 2023–January 10, 2024
Choirs tell their own story of the exhibition in songs.

The Unfinished Conversation: October 18, 6:30–8:30pm
First screening with french subtitles of the film by J. Akomfrah, 2012, and a discussion.

BFF, The Power of Friendship: November 9, 7–9pm
Panel discussion with Lola Gonzales & Marie Kock, among others. Moderated by Ophélie Naessens.

Queer Birthday Party de Noël: November 18, 7–9pm
The Frac turns 40: surprises, gifts & drag show by La Queerdom, Metz.

Concert by Rory Pilgrim: January 25, 7–9pm
Rory Pilgrim plays harp and keybords accompanied by singer Robyn Haddon.