Sights & Sounds: Haja Fanta
Common Discourse is a project designed to help others (and ourselves) think through creativity, focus, and intentional work—from Alex Tan & Alice Otieno.
Every Tuesday we share words from a few ideas, a quote from somebody else, and links worth sharing. On Fridays we invite a guest to share images from their camera roll and a sound that resonates with them. Words from the journal will come at least twice a month.
Haja Fanta is a Sierra Leonean curator, writer and researcher who’s currently based in London. Throughout her practice, she works with artists and institutions who put together exhibitions centred on building creative connections across countries in West Africa and the broader diaspora.
Some of her featured projects include collaborations with the Southbank Centre, The Africa Centre, National Portrait Gallery and HOME by Ronan Mckenzie.
I was listening to a recent episode by HOME Impressions last week, where Haja and Ronan shared bits of media that have inspired them throughout their creative journey. One of Haja’s recommendations was Jeli music, a musical genre originating from Mali that constitutes of slow melodic harmonies similar to the sound she shared. As I was going through her contribution, I particularly enjoyed how the vibrant and mellow feel of the sound is also reflected in her imagery.
Here’s what she shared with us!
— Alice
Sights —
I’m usually really good at archiving my pictures but recently (the last year) I haven’t had the time or desire to sit through the process of organising the 15,000+ images on my phone. I guess for the purpose of this that’s a good thing, I think?
The pictures on my phone start from around June 2020 and scrolling through has been a nice reminder of all the beautiful moments that have happened since then. It has also been a reminder of how non-linear time can feel, when you look back.
What stood out to me the most were the several moments of contentment that frequently appeared but I had sort of forgotten.
Another reminder that these moments happen more often than we (I) think. Here are some of them — Haja
Sounds —
Thanks for consuming!
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