Interruptions: Aliyah Hussain – Online with The Holden Gallery
Sara Jaspan, Exhibitions Editor
Part of a special online edition of The Holden Gallery‘s ever-popular Interuptions series, ‘The sleep of plants’ is a new experimental ambient soundtrack with accompanying animation by Manchester-based artist Aliyah Hussain. The work is inspired by the narrative and themes presented in the 1967 feminist speculative fiction short story by Anne Richter, which starts with a quote by Henri Michaux: “Slowing, we feel the pulse of things.” This sets the pace for the work, using it as a framework to create and draw out the sound. Presenting the work as a meditation, or moment for intentional stillness. An act of resistance. Considering how this interruption of our busy lives can act as a time to consider the perspective of other life forms. Conversely, there is a horror that exists in this story, in being still, in being plant-like. It produces both restlessness and unease. Especially in this moment when people who are able to, are being asked to stay in their homes, to stay in one place.
‘The sleep of plants’ will be broadcast live via the Manchester School of Art Youtube.
