Sabrina Tirvengadum reimagines her ancestry in upcoming solo exhibition
அவர்கள் யார்? நான் யார்?
Attenborough Arts Centre is proud to present Sabrina Tirvengadum’s ‘Who Were They? Who Am I?’, an exhibition that delves into the complexities of their Mauritian family history, deeply influenced by the legacies of colonialism while challenging ableist systems.
In Who Were They? Who Am I? artist Sabrina Tirvengadum takes a personal journey into identity, ancestry and the hidden histories that shape who we are. Inspired by their father’s life and family stories passed down through generations, this exhibition connects personal narratives with the larger history of Indian indentured labour in Mauritius. At its heart, it asks a universal question: How much of who we are comes from who they were?
Using archival photographs, AI-generated imagery, digital art and film. Sabrina blends personal and collective memories to reimagine moments that were lost, hidden or never existed. This approach shows the nature of how memory works, mixing truth, interpretation and imagination.
A key part of this journey is the artist’s DNA link to the Marrier d’Unienville family: wealthy plantation owners who employed their great-grandmother as a maid. This discovery led to a deep exploration of privilege, labour, and lineage, which are central to the artwork ‘If We Were Marrier d’Unienville’ through imagining alternative histories, this work invites us to think about the complex connections between ancestry, power and resilience.
Another highlight is the short film ‘A Souvenir to Keep’ made from rediscovered family footage of the artist’s first visit to Mauritius in 1993. The film captures the emotional experience of connecting with ancestral land and reflects the shared journeys of many people in diaspora communities, where longing and belonging intertwine.
Who Were They? Who Am I? is more than a question. It invites us to explore how history, family, and storytelling shape identity. By reimagining the stories of the past, Sabrina honours those who came before and asks us to reflect on our own connections to history and heritage.
Sabrina Tirvengadum: Who Were They? Who Am I? will be exhibited in Gallery 2 at Attenborough Arts Centre from 7 February – 6 April 2025, alongside Crip Arte Spazio: The Disability Arts Movement in Venice in Gallery 1 from 14 February – 11 May 2025.
Join Attenborough Arts Centre for the exhibition launch of Crip Arte Spazio: The Disability Arts Movement in Venice Thursday 13 February, 5pm – 7pm, free for all to attend with drinks available throughout the evening. To book your place, click here.