Mami Wata: Mmiri niile is an exhibition about racial and other barriers to swimming, made with African women from across Dublin, by artist Chinedum Muotto.
This free exhibition runs from Saturday, 24 June to Wednesday, 28 June 2023 in Sean McDermott Street Swimming Pool, Dublin.
In 2021, as part of a Creative Residency in Art & Sport, Chinedum Muotto issued a callout to
women of African Descent from across Dublin, with an invitation to join a learn-to-swim group with a difference.
The aim was to address some of the racial, ethnic and cultural barriers faced by many people when it comes to accessing our public swimming pools. Not only would the group receive free weekly lessons but there would also be a creative element, where the women could share their experiences of water, their fears, and their journey to becoming swimmers.
Eight participants joined, all women of African descent from countries including South Africa, Nigeria, Zimbabwe and Togo. Many of them had never been in a pool or swam in the sea before.
Working with the artist and a professional instructor, the women gradually learned to swim at bespoke lessons in Ballymun pool and Clontarf Baths. They documented their experiences in creative ways and shared stories of their relationship to water.
The exhibition Mami Wata: Mmiri niile weaves their voices together with traditional folklore,
in a unique and immersive experience that brings the sea to Sean McDermott Street.
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 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."
Mami Wata: Mmiri niile is part of Dublin City Council Culture Company’s Creative Residency
in Art and Sport, a Creative Residency made in partnership with the Dublin City Sport &
Wellbeing Partnership.
Dublin City Council have generously facilitated this use of Sean McDermott Street Swimming
Pool while they complete final preparations for its reopening as a public pool.
Find out more at Mamiwata.ie
