As part of our Feeling Machines programme, we commissioned Asmaa Jama to create a painting exploring the edges of technology and how humans interact with it. This painting then became a key part of the Feeling Machines 2023 programme visual identity.

Asmaa reflected on the painting:

“We were all interested in the idea of leaking / glitching / texture that can be found in works by painters like Frank Bowling. I thought in bright tones, like purple next to a very bright neon yellow. I wanted the colour to be moving / kind of frenetic and alive…

I was interested in this idea of transparency as well. The initial composition was of a figure holding something intangible. I think so many of our connections ‘digitally’ blur the lines between being tangible/material. I think, in my interactions with loved ones across the world, there are places where we can almost line up against each other and yet are held back. 

This figure emerged out of the backdrop, mostly translucent and being held. They felt quite delicate, like their grip on the material was tenuous as well. I liked the way the figures ended up holding each other, the almost closeness between them. I am interested in this, the ‘almost’.” 

Co-Director, artist and designer Becca Rose then played with the image further to create a visual identity for Feeling Machines programme 2023. The painting came alive both physically in the Weekender flyers and posters and digitally through animations on our website. The animations were collage-style cut-outs of the painting, softly floating behind text or spinning while content loaded. We based our brand colours Asmaa’s painting too, incorporating the bright tones into our headers and backgrounds.

The painting was later displayed in our exhibition at St Anne’s House alongside other artworks and workshops exploring how digital technologies intertwine with the most intimate aspects of our lives. Visitors responded to questions displayed alongside the painting, such as ‘What does it feel like to feel with machines?’ and ‘What kind of emotions does scrolling evoke?’ Responses included drawings and writings such as ‘what if my phone wrapped around my face and was soft?’ and ‘the tech is a portal to experiences but the desires themselves feel invisible’.

This artwork was co-commissioned with Bristol & Bath Creative R+D and part of the Arts Council Funded Feeling Machines Programme 2023.

About Asmaa:

Asmaa Jama is a Danish-born Somali poet and multidisciplinary artist interested in ancestors, ghosts and diaspora lines. Currently, they are thinking about rituals and ceremonies around water and migration in East Africa. Asmaa is a curator in residence with Encounters film festival.