Yara uses film, podcasts, virtual reality, art installations highlighting the need to revive local oral traditions and find shared solutions to global challenges. She actively involves communities, fostering microtransformative changes. Her practice also explores contemporary Africa and the diaspora, blending modern technologies with traditional African societies, orality, cultural heritage, indigenous ecological knowledge, and climate awareness.
Along Mozambique’s Swahili coast, people chant in a call-and-response rhythm, passing down their wisdom, knowledge of oceanic events like tropical cyclones and warning of the sea’s fragile future. Yara has delved into these chants, exploring how they have helped maintain ecological balance. In collaboration with marine biologists Yara Tibiriça (Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Italy) and Myram Beck (Humboldt University of Berlin), whose trailblazing work has identified 12 new species of sea slugs and possibly 2 new species of sea squirts, she will create an immersive sensorial storytelling experience aboard an interactive physical dhow boat (to be constructed). Inspired by the call-and-response rhythm, recent discoveries and ancient chants from southern east Africa will be weaved through storytelling, evoking a deeper listening, contributing to global Ocean “soundtrack”.
In Mozambique, collaborationwith local women’s groups and environmental organizations will foster awareness of traditional ecological knowledge and its connection to marine biodiversity. Educational workshops and community events will highlight the importance of preserving the ocean through cultural practices. In Europe, the immersive dhow installation will start in Berlin and in partnership with local artist and woodworker, Jonathan Jung, will tour in exhibition spaces, engaging diverse audiences.
Find Yara on Instagram.
Previous work
- Art installation “Nakhoda and the Mermaid” was awarded a one-year mentorship with scientists by the Dutch Prince Claus Award and has allowed for the work and challenges of Mozambique, to be share on an international platform including at pre COP30 events. Watch the 360 Virtual Reality piece here.