besides Puleng; dontsa-ring and roving preoccupations – Book Launch & Live Performances

Join us on Saturday 28 June for the launch of besides Puleng; dontsa-ring and roving preoccupations, a new publication by artist Simnikiwe Buhlungu, presented as part of the North Sea Round Town festival. This book builds on Simnikiwe’s solo exhibition hygrosummons (iter.02), co-commissioned by Chisenhale Gallery, London and Kunstinstituut Melly. Exploring puddles as unassuming socio-historical ecological sites and poetic portals, the publication brings together musicians, scientists, kin, curators, and writers in an interdisciplinary dialogue spanning disciplines and geographies.

Conversation between Simnikiwe Buhlungu, Khwezi Gule & Saïd Rosales

A conversation will take place between Johannesburg-based curator and writer Khwezi Gule, Amsterdam-based chemist Saïd Rosales, and artist Simnikiwe Buhlungu. Both Khwezi and Saïd are contributors to the publication and collaborators in the research underpinning it. Together, they will reflect on their respective roles, offering insight into the interwoven processes of artistic inquiry, and its encounter with, and scientific engagement through the puddle as an entry point.

Live Performance Nana Akumu Bolenge

This event features a live musical performance by Nana Akumu Bolenge, alongside her seven-piece band. A longstanding influence in Simnikiwe’s sonic thinking, Bolenge’s Congolese rhumba draws listeners into a space where rhythm and resonance serve as entry points into embodied listening and communal gathering.

Interventions Pungwe Listening

The program is punctuated by interventions from Rob Machiri of Pungwe Listening, a collective duo participating in our new research residency initiative, TOOLSHED. These contributions expand the event’s framing of listening, not only as a sensory experience, but as a practice of inquiry, learning, and togetherness.

Get the Book, Grab the Limited-edition Merch

The publication besides Puleng; dontsa-ring and roving preoccupations will be available for purchase at the launch, alongside limited-edition merchandise specially designed by Simnikiwe Buhlungu.

PROGRAMME

3:00 PM – Intervention
Pungwe Listening with Robert Machiri

3:30 PM – Chit-chat
Simnikiwe Buhlungu, Saïd Rosales (chemist, Amsterdam), and Khwezi Gule (curator, Johannesburg) discuss the research and ideas behind the book. Followed by Q&A.

4:30 PM – Intervention
Pungwe Listening with Robert Machiri

5:00 PM – Live performance
Mama Nana Akumu Bolenge alongside her seven-piece band (45–50 min)

6:00 PM – Intervention
Pungwe Listening with Robert Machiri

Following the programme, join us for drinks and food.

Location: MELLY CANTINA - Kunstinstituut Melly
Admission: FREE