Dreams of Brum.

Dreams of Brum is an exhibition of photographic portraits taken by Birmingham based photographer Maryam Wahid, and produced by Haseebah Ali for Ikon gallery. The project is organised in partnership with Handsworth Library and is supported by Birmingham City Council’s Cultural Development Service. The exhibition was first exhibition at Ikon gallery on the 31st August as part of the Migrant Festival 2023, and has now moved over to Handsworth Library till the 31st March 2024.

 

The portraits depict sixteen members of the community who regularly access the WarmWelcome space and take part in regular group activities including Keep Fit for over 50s with ‘Mr Handsworth’ Hector Pinkney.

Wahid and Ali have been working with these members to understand daily life and culture in Handsworth and on the Soho Road. They both decided to focus on these groups in particular as in their opinion, the older generation needs to be celebrated more in arts and culture.

Eight of the sixteen portraits have a decorated mount encasing the photograph. The lino stamps used to hand print the mounts were cut and designed by some members of the Craft Club and staff of the library during two lino printing sessions facilitated by Ali. Haseebah introduced the idea of a printed mount as a way for members to get involved in the project whilst also respecting their choice in not wanting to take part in the portrait photography. Together both Maryam and Haseebah curated the framed portraits for the exhibition showcase.

Haseebah also produced a bilingual exhibition guide as part of the project, to allow visitors to gain more knowledge about the work and create a dialogue around community. The case studies presented within the exhibition guide generate a story about the people who visit the library, past and present. The interviews highlight the unity that exists across different cultures and generations in the community around the area. You can have a read through of the guide here. The punjabi translation was put together by BrassHouse Languages.

Dreams of Brum exhibited at Handsworth Library.

All photographed participants received a printed image of their portrait to take home with them and many attended both launches at Ikon and Handsworth Library. In Haseebah’s own words this project was a heart warming collaboration and cemented her love for community and storytelling.