Lonnie van Brummelen and Siebren de Haan (bilingual edition): Drifting Studio Practice

Lonnie van Brummelen and Siebren de Haan talk about their collaborative documentaries Episode of the Sea (2014) and Stones Have Laws (2018), which were created in partnership with the Dutch fishing community of Urk and the Saamaka and Okanisi maroons of Suriname, a former Dutch colony in the Amazon. They describe how they experimented with collective script writing and performative storytelling, including both human and other-than-human actors.

Format: Hardback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 25 November 2021
Publisher: Hatje Cantz

In the captivating episode of Drifting Studio Practice, artists Lonnie van Brummelen and Siebren de Haan delve into the depths of their participatory documentaries, Episode of the Sea (2014) and Stones Have Laws (2018). These remarkable works were created in close collaboration with the Dutch fishing community of Urk and the Saamaka and Okanisi maroons of Suriname, a former Dutch colony nestled within the Amazonian rainforest. The artists take us on a journey as they explore the realms of collective script writing and performative storytelling, incorporating both human and other-than-human actors into their creative process.

Beginning with their earlier masterpiece, Monument of Sugar (2007), the account unfolds into a profound exploration of co-authorship and (non)human rights as powerful strategies for navigating the challenges posed by the plantationocene. Through their artistic endeavors, van Brummelen and de Haan challenge the boundaries between human and non-human experiences, inviting us to contemplate the intricate web of relationships that exist within our natural world.

Their collaborative approach to filmmaking is characterized by a deep respect for the communities they engage with. By immersing themselves in the lives and traditions of the fishing community and the maroons, the artists foster a sense of empathy and understanding that translates into their work. The resulting films are not merely documentaries but immersive experiences that invite viewers to participate in the stories they tell.

In Episode of the Sea, van Brummelen and de Haan collaborate with the fishermen of Urk to explore the impact of industrial fishing on their way of life. Through a series of intimate conversations and stunning footage of the ocean, the artists shed light on the challenges faced by the fishing community, including overfishing, pollution, and the displacement of traditional practices. The film serves as a powerful testament to the resilience and adaptability of human communities in the face of environmental change.

Stones Have Laws, on the other hand, takes us into the world of the Saamaka and Okanisi maroons, who have long been marginalized and oppressed by the colonial system. The film explores their rich cultural heritage, traditional practices, and resistance against oppression. Through a series of participatory workshops and performances, the artists engage with the maroons in a collaborative process that allows them to express their stories and reclaim their identity.

Both Episode of the Sea and Stones Have Laws showcase the power of art to bring about social change and promote empathy and understanding. By collaborating with diverse communities and employing innovative storytelling techniques, van Brummelen and de Haan challenge the dominant narratives and promote a more inclusive and sustainable world.

In conclusion, the episode of Drifting Studio Practice featuring Lonnie van Brummelen and Siebren de Haan is a testament to the transformative power of art. Through their participatory documentaries, they invite us to explore the complexities of human-non-human relationships, challenge the boundaries of co-authorship, and advocate for (non)human rights. Their work serves as a reminder that art has the potential to inspire, educate, and empower, and that by working together, we can create a more sustainable and just world for all.

Weight: 850g
Dimension: 174 x 241 x 39 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783775747059