Presentation:

Presentation Opening: Precious Burden

Presentation and exhibition opening by Asefeh Tayebani

11 Dec 2019

Asefeh Tayebani will give a lecture about her work Precious Burden, in which she shares a glimpse of what it means to be autistic through a set of objects. After the presentation, you can experience these works yourself.

As a designer with autism, Asefeh Tayebani strives for equal recognition, as people with mental disabilities are often not properly understood or respected in our society. She will talk about different facets of being on the spectrum - from misdiagnosis to being misunderstood in social situations.

After the presentation, Asefeh will introduce her partner in crime: Anna de Hooge. They will closely work together for the upcoming months on projects around autism. 

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Precious Burden Presentation and exhibition opening by Asefeh Tayebani - Filippo Iannone

Synopsis

Having a mental disability is challenging. To cope with it in daily life is extremely challenging. How easy or hard the life of someone with a mental disability is, depends largely on other people's understanding and actions. Asefeh strongly believes that being seen and feeling you matter will empower her as well as other people with mental disabilities, making them feel safe enough to come out with their handicap.

Asefeh Tayebani

Asefeh Tayebani makes objects that have been assigned a specific purpose, but presents them as something else. Introducing materials as metaphors or objects as symbols, is a focus in her creations.

Her work is often characterised by a dash of dark humor; an effective tool for delivering her concept in the form of the delicate, detailed objects she makes. Asefeh enjoys the incongruence between this dark humor and serious time-consuming handmade objects. She makes jewellery not simply for decoration, but as an extension of the body. Asefeh is fascinated by the way people handle things - their gestures - inspiring her to make hand-related objects, often detailed jewellery-like works; small objects that require time and preparation. 

Anna de Hooge

Anna de Hooge (1996) is a writer, media worker and researcher in the field of disability studies. She used to think she was the witch of the story, clambering up Rapunzel’s hair to reach the academic ivory tower – but has since decided she’d rather burn the thing to the ground.

Anna is currently working with Asefeh Tayebani on a project for, by and about autistic women and non-binary people. Two concepts related to autism she is particularly interested in are neuroqueerness and Aspie supremacy.

Information

Presentation: Precious Burden by Asefeh Tayebani
Wednesday, the 11th of December
Start 19:00
Mediamatic Biotoop, Dijksgracht 6, Amsterdam

Tickets: Full price €5,- | Artist / Student / Stadspas €3,- (including €1 administration fee)

*We give a discount to students and artists. If this applies to you we will ask to see your kvk nr/portfolio or student card for this option. For questions please send an email to mail@mediamatic.nl.