Past, Present & Future X: 2024-25 FF FUND Recipients Celebration

Artist Website: https://sirajikoloto.com/

Project Description

“Nabbuzana” is a captivating exploration into the depths of African traditional rituals, particularly the hwambula ritual in Uganda, which seeks to liberate spirits ensnared by human constraints. This ongoing research and open space performance project digs into the concept of spiritual imprisonment, shedding light on the dynamics of nonhuman existence within Ugandan communities. “Nabbuzana” refers to the young spirits yearning for freedom, shackled by the servitude imposed upon them to serve human interests.
This performance challenges conventional narratives of colonialism, extending beyond human-to-human interactions to encompass a human-to-non-human perspective. Rooted in the ethos of decolonization and critique of capitalist practices, this work unfolds in phases, mirroring the journey from colonial oppression to liberation. Through evocative imagery and shape-shifting movements, I confront the emptiness of human consciousness and the relentless pursuit of power over the vulnerable.
Central to my narrative is the exploration of trans-generational trauma and the reincarnation of a spirit burdened by past afflictions. I provoke introspection on the responsibility of humanity to break the colonial chains binding nonhuman entities. As I navigate this terrain, I contemplate the broader implications of colonialism and advocate for the collective liberation of all beings from servitude

Biography

Koloto Siraji is a Ugandan conceptual artist, dancer and researcher whose multifaceted artistic practice traverses film, installation, and performance. Grounded in the rich philosophical fabric of Bagisu traditions, His work is a dynamic fusion of ancestral wisdom and contemporary expression. Central to Koloto’s artistic methodology is a profound engagement with Bagisu theories and philosophies of art. He merges traditional concepts with modern practices. This method prompts him to rediscover the ancient wisdom of dance by deconstructing Bagisu traditional dances and blending them with urban/street dance styles, creating a poignant set of movements that express a contemporary identity.
Navigating the realms of post-colonialism and decolonization, Koloto explores the human body as a medium to convey new narratives. Intrigued by the potential of the body in space and time to communicate information and encapsulate human experiences, His art is deeply rooted in his ancestry. A distinctive characteristic of Koloto’s artistic work is its refusal to offer direct answers. Instead, his work is a call to reflection, inviting the audience to feel, think, and question the complex dimensions of the topics his work addresses. Koloto is particularly interested in making people feel, think, and question aspects related to gender, politics, and climate change, human rights, social, and cultural issues, Triggering people to contemplate and take individual responsibility for their actions.

This work was made possible, in part, by the Franklin Furnace FUND 2024-25, supported by Silicon Valley Community Foundation, the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, and the members and friends of Franklin Furnace Archive.