A brand new exhibition will address some of the racial, ethnic and cultural barriers faced by many when trying to access the Dublin's swimming pools .
The exhibition, which is called ‘Mami Wata: Mmiri niile', will take place at the Sean McDermott Street Swimming Pool in Dublin 1. The work artist Chinedum Muotto tells the story of eight African women across the city who have learned how to swim.
As part of a Creative Residency in Art & Sport in 2021 Chinedum Muotto put a call out to women of African descent from across Dublin to join a group to learn how to swim. He also wanted to add a creative element to the group by allowing the women to discuss their relationship with water on their way to becoming swimmers.
Eight participants signed up for the unusual experience, all women of African descent from countries including South Africa, Nigeria, Zimbabwe and Togo. Many of them did not know how to swim or had never even set foot in a pool or the sea.
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Together with a swimming instructor and Chinedum the women began bespoke swimming lessons in Ballymun pool and Clontarf baths. They all learned to swim and documented their own journeys in creative ways.
This exhibition weaves their voices together with traditional folklore, in a unique and immersive experience that brings the sea to Sean McDermott Street. The exhibition is made by Dublin City Council Culture Company in partnership with Dublin City Sport & Wellbeing Partnership.
Speaking about the project, Chinedum Muotto said: "The idea of Mami Wata, was to marry indigenous spiritual beliefs/practises as a means of inviting women of African Descent to the Dublin Sport & Fitness swimming facilities to learn how to swim within a creative structure...to learn how to swim within a creative structure and practical exchange. The project brought me in contact with so many people.
"It was beautiful to see the trust and intimacy that was shared, as well as the progress made by some people I encountered. Most importantly I hope this spurs on more women of African descent to embrace the water and all she has to provide."
The exhibition is on from Saturday June 24 to Wednesday June 28 from 11am to 3pm. It is also free admission to attend.
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