PERSISTENCE THROUGH JOY

Text for the exhibition Persistence Through Joy, part of the joint catalogue for the

Nordic Collaboration of the exhibition What Then?,

part of Something Else at the Citadel, Cairo 2023

Power Ekroth

Cockroaches not only possess extraordinary survival abilities, such as enduring nuclear radiation, living headless for weeks, and holding their breath for up to five or seven minutes, but they also have the remarkable capacity to signal fellow cockroaches about potential food sources, enabling them to assist one another. This concept is undeniably inspiring. Among our circle of friends and family, we now use the term 'cockroach' as a verb. For instance, when someone suggests, 'With the government's impending implementation of slimmed-down cultural policies, we should start “cockroaching” right away,' it implies that we, including our fellow cultural workers in the country in question, must find ways to fund our work, even if it means tighten our budgets. Most importantly: we must persist doing what we do and let nothing stop us. This simply because we have to in order to mentally survive, and because it is the only—and right—thing to do. Once one commits to the idea of “cockroaching”, surrendering is simply not an option. Instead, we adapt with resilience and resistance, and, most crucially: to help each other out. 

In the cultural sphere, we grapple not only with survival instincts, but also with the very essence of humanity, harnessing both our intellect and emotions. Thus we require something beyond, something that transcends and amplifies our resistance and resilience. Personal, systemic, or structural hardships should not merely be endured; they must be overcome, or at least partially so. While the strategy of unwavering persistence can be a triumph in itself, mere survival often lacks vivaciousness. We need to get angry, we need to get loud, we need to be smart and respond to obstacles in a way that will help rectify things but we also need to live. An exemplary model is the LGBTQ+ community, which seamlessly intertwines politically charged protest with expressions of joy, as seen in their triumphant PRIDE  parades. In these parades, all are welcome, and discrimination is forbidden. Solidarity, protest, and joy are woven into a tapestry that embodies the core of collective strength, forging a transformative empowerment in the face of adversity.

Artists and cultural workers' commitment to art is about their commitment to life and humanity, to never underestimate the importance of the right to imagine, create, and distribute diverse cultural expressions free of censorship or interference. This is exactly what we come together to celebrate at Something Else. The joy of dreaming about what is not there (yet), about finding new ways though the unimaginable, to inspire and envision hope and utopia – together. 

The unique platform of the Off Biennial Something Else transcends barriers of language, culture, and background, making it a powerful tool for promoting inclusivity and building bridges across diverse communities. It allows artists from different corners of the world, with very different backgrounds and walks of life to come together to celebrate art and life. This is a joy that can provide a potent source of inspiration that fuels creativity and allows artists to produce work that speaks to the human experience – or even challenges societal norms. 

Like the resilient cockroach, cultural workers come together, signaling to one another, sharing resources, and finding ways to not only survive, but thrive . This exhibition is a testament to the commitment to our shared cause, and a celebration of the human spirit's capacity to find joy, even in the most challenging circumstances. 'Persistence Through Joy' is a reminder that in unity and joy, we find the strength to overcome, to imagine, and to inspire.