PREVIEW: Friday 6 October, 6-9PM
EXHIBITION: 7 October – 9 December 2023
OPENING TIMES: Thursday – Saturday, 10AM-6PM, or by appointment.

In Courses for Dis-Course(s), artist Roo Dhissou conjures up a space, for dining, eating, cooking and gathering that manifest in a sort of kitchen, dining room, café, restaurant, chill space. The project includes a series of exhibitions and dining events for British South Asian artists that will take place at GLOAM in Sheffield and Primary in Nottingham. Roo wants to explore who gets a seat at the table, the politics of orthodoxies, the art space, the home, the kitchen and the gallery by presenting a new body of sculptural, functional and architectural works that employ a variety of British Asian visual languages, culinary traditions and materiality.

Langar Thalis inlaid with gut health tips, Cha stations, posh tea sets, Manjis, Rugs, Yoga Mats, seed charts, tablecloths embroidered with political and theoretical texts, as well as Spotify playlists made during the course of the project will fill the spaces. Questioning how hosting through conviviality, cooking, eating together and conversation can create complex spaces for complaint, lament, bonding, stickiness, nuance, and the opportunity to be both comfortable and discomforted in our differences, similarities and oppositions. The installation will be used by visitors and animated with additional public events. A publication and podcast will be produced documenting conversations and other outcomes.

Courses for Dis-Course(s) is a programme created by Roo Dhissou in partnership with GLOAM and part of Primary’s Nourishment programme, a long-term project that delves into food justice, nourishment, growing and sustainable food systems. Together along with the artist, GLOAM and Primary are working on a new form of artist-institution relationships that nurture equity and reciprocity. This project is supported by Arts Council England.

With thanks to:

Artist and Producer – Roo Dhissou

Studio Assistant – Kavitha Balasingham

Ceramic Assistance – Miranda Corral, Kavitha Balasingham and Modern Clay

Personal Assistant – Fred Hubble

Sound Assistance – Tom Harris

Engagement Curator (Primary) – Rebecca Beinart

Assistant Curator (Primary) – Jade Foster

Artist Development Curator (Primary) – Colette Griffin

Artist Bio:

Roo Dhissou is an artist and doctoral researcher who works with communities, diasporas and her own histories. Using socially engaged practice, craft, cooking, performance and installation she explores how communal and individual identities are formed.

Access:

Courses for Dis-Course(s) will be located in our ground floor gallery space which has full level access from our new main entrance on Seely Road. Please be aware that due to the nature of Courses for Dis-Course(s) this exhibition will include a mix of public and closed events and activity, please check opening times provided before visiting.

If you would like to make a group booking or visit our exhibitions at a quiet time please contact us on admin@weareprimary.org or 0115 924 4493 to arrange.

Large print and braille versions of the exhibition text will be available, please ask our Front of House Assistant for details.

Please email admin@weareprimary.org or call 0115 924 4493 with any access inquiries.

Click below to access an audio version of the exhibition text.