Tyari Grani
Tyari Grani
Stichting SKLNE x Zamore Studios
A combination between VR / XR – 2024
About the artwork
Dive into Tyari Grani, an immersive underwater virtual reality experience that explores the repercussions of the transatlantic slave trade. From the shores to the depths, embark on a unique journey of magical and spiritual ancestral reconnection with the descendants of the African diaspora. Participate in ceremonial rituals of commemoration, forgiveness, and redemption. After experiencing this, the echoes of history become unforgettable.
The creative process
Tyari Grani, originating from the Surinamese language Sranan Tongo, embodies the essence of grace and gratitude. As a team, we recognize the enduring repercussions of historical traumas within our societies, often overlooked by conventional approaches that foster division and hopelessness. Our mission transcends these barriers, aiming for compassion and solidarity among all individuals in contemporary societies, but especially to those who are descendants of the African diaspora.
Coming from cultural backgrounds rich in spiritual traditions, we understand the transformative power of rituals in addressing trauma. True healing commences by acknowledging these wounds and engaging in rituals that illuminate, awaken, and honor our experiences. Holding space for pain marks the initial stride towards profound healing.
For over a year, we’ve diligently bridged the gap between technology, spiritual, historical and Afro central mythological resources. Discover how these seemingly disparate realms unite as allies, empowering us to craft evocative art that serves as a sanctuary for healing intergenerational traumas.
Across three enriching art residencies in Hungary, Copenhagen and Lisbon we delved deep into the essence of VR—exploring its unique framework, limitations, and boundless possibilities for storytelling.
Reflecting on our journey, these three first residencies provided invaluable opportunities for collective exploration and understanding. Through open discussions and constructive feedback sessions, each project was refined and elevated, nurturing a vibrant atmosphere of collaboration and creativity. This culture of transparency not only enriched our individual works but also fostered a profound sense of camaraderie among the selected artists, evolving into an extended artistic family.
The result was more than just a culmination of individual efforts—it was a collective journey, a shared experience that transcended boundaries and fostered a deep sense of fulfillment. As we continue to push the boundaries of artistic expression in the virtual realm, we carry forward the spirit of collaboration and kinship that defined our residency experiences.
About the artists
Tyari Grani is composed by Monique Dikmoet, Jaqueline Zamora and Tyrone Rickey-Lee.
For more than 30 years Monique has built her portfolio in the arts of journalism, film and theater. Fascinated by tech as a means to grasp her audience’s attention and more and more becoming aware of her own rich cultural background Monique transforms from being a sole producer, researcher, educator to being a creative writer and concept developer for film, theater, VR-experiences, talent and coaching trajectums for writers and other creatives in Rotterdam.
Jaqueline, a passionate visual designer driven by creativity’s power to connect and inspire. Versatile in illustration, animation, graphic design, film and VR. Committed to celebrating multiculturalism and pushing boundaries through innovative storytelling. The concept of Zamore, first introduced in 2018, has become a trademark in Jaqueline’s work. Zamore, is a paraphrase in Spanish ‘Ze Amor’ which stands for ‘Be Love’. Under this principle is how Jaqueline interacts and approaches every project development.
Tyrone, from being dance-maker to a film-maker, Tyrone started his career self-taught gaining experience on-/off-stage, before going to the dance academy. Now with the power of creativity and endless possibilities he challenges the world to listen to the stories he makes visible on all available mediums. If it’s the stage; if it’s a podium; if it’s film; if it’s on paper; if it’s VR; if it’s XR; if it’s your phone or from behind the computer, it doesn’t matter. With his life motto “a teaspoon full of sugar makes the medicine go down”, he uses ART as the sugar to shine a light on socially urgent stories. Learn more
