On the 14th of February, we visited Maria Luigia Gioffrè‘s collaborative research workshop “WAITING WARS,” inspired by soldiers waiting for the war to reach their door at the Kunstfort Vijfhuizen. Participants from diverse backgrounds, including students, artists, and staff from Kunstfort Vijfhuizen and H401, joined the workshop. Maria Luigia guided us through the day, which was split into two parts: starting with an open conversation about our associations with the concept of ‘waiting for war,’ followed by a physical exercise where we embodied those feelings and emotions.
These explorations all came together and helped shape Maria’s performance on February the 20th. In a dimly lit, red-tinted room, two figures moved slowly to a Calabrian lullaby, music from Maria’s home region. The room was filled with a sense of anticipation, as if something were about to shift. Yet, the figures continued their slow, steady movements, while the audience remained passive observers, much like soldiers once did in a similar bunker, waiting for the unknown. Afterwards, visitors shared their observations and impressions. The performance sparked some personal stories about war, conflict and broader reflections, much like in the first workshop. The exchange of thoughts and emotions enriched the experience.
Next was “Heling!”, a text-based artwork concept by Carlos Noronha Feio exploring cultural creolisation, which focuses on the blending and transforming of cultures and languages through migration, trade, and colonial histories. The piece uses tulips to form the word, how tulips, though not native to the Netherlands, have become deeply associated with the country. Originally from Central Asia, tulips arrived in the Netherlands through trade and colonial expansion. This thought-provoking work sparked meaningful and confrontational conversations on identity, migration, and cultural exchange, highlighting the ways in which colonial history continues to affect our present and future.
These collaborative, dialogue-focused artworks are an essential first step in the artists’ creative journey within this project, establishing a foundation for further exploration of colonial histories, cultural identities, and collective memory. By encouraging open conversation and creative exchange, they pave the way for impactful artistic work that will offer fresh perspectives and challenge how we engage with the past. Maria Luigia’s and Carlos’ CDCD artistic journey and trajectory, which has just started in The Netherlands, will culminate in Xarkis in 2026 with a multi-residency with all the CDCD artists and the final arts festival.
We look forward to our continued collaboration and seeing how these inspiring projects develop!
March 2025 – Britt van Harmelen, intern at H401 BA student Reinwardt Academy.
When I first saw the open call, it felt like a dream! As an artist who is passionate about shedding light on the impact of colonial legacies on contemporary society, this programme fits perfectly with my research and artistic practice. I believe it is crucial to continually learn and acquire new knowledge, and this opportunity offers that. 
CONTESTED DESIRES: Constructive Dialogues is an EU-funded project
