Jawa

The group Jawa is dedicated to preserving the rich Sufi musical tradition of Aleppo, which has been passed down orally for decades and is now threatened by the war in Syria. As the number of Sufi masters dwindles, Jawa works tirelessly to protect this invaluable musical heritage. They perform Sufi muwashahat, respecting the intricate rhythms and Eastern maqams, while adding their own contemporary twist. Originally, Sufi music was performed without instruments, but Jawa introduces a fresh approach by incorporating modern instruments. Their project is both a preservation of cultural heritage and an act of resistance against the loss of this tradition. Jawa doesn’t just play music; they revive and reinvent an ancient tradition, honoring its spiritual and cultural roots.

Jawa’s music is also meant for dancing, drawing listeners into the Sufi whirlwind of the Mevlevi order dervishes. This form of meditation aims to achieve divine perfection. By setting aside personal desires and focusing on the music and God, the dervishes perform repetitive circles, symbolizing the planets orbiting the sun. The dhikr, the main ritual of the dervishes, involves reciting devotional Islamic prayers accompanied by dancing and whirling to reach a state of “ecstatic trance.”

Vanhaerents Art Collection

The Vanhaerents Art Collection is a unique collection of contemporary art, meticulously assembled over the years by Walter Vanhaerents and his children Els and Joost. All three share a passion for new and provocative art. The origins of the Vanhaerents Art Collection date back to the 1970s, when the young Walter Vanhaerents began acquiring his first artworks. By gathering pieces considered extremely bold and radical for their time, he laid the foundation for a collection that today ranks among the most prestigious in the world. It reflects the diversity and vitality of current artistic practices, including works by both established and emerging artists, and spans various media, including painting, drawing, sculpture, installation, photography, and video.

The artwork “Life Vest Snake” by Ai Weiwei, displayed in the Vanhaerents Art Collection, is a large sculpture made from life jackets used by refugees. It represents the dangerous journeys of people seeking safety. During the Hide & Seek festival, the group Jawa will perform beneath this incredible artwork. Jawa plays Sufi music, inspired by the traditional sounds of Aleppo. Their music, which preserves a style that is at risk of disappearing, will create a deep connection with the themes portrayed in Weiwei’s powerful art piece.