SAMHAIN

Presented by Basket of Hammers

October 31, 2021

An immersive one night underground event showcasing alternative musicians and visual artists in the tradition of Samhain. Samhain is Celtic for ‘End of Summer’ and is a Gaelic pagan festival held on October 31st/November 1. The Celts believed that the world of the gods was to be made visible to humankind with rituals of every king thought to be vital. Samhain was an important precursor to Halloween. 

Musicians for the one night event included ( in order of appearance ) Haters, Hara-Kitty, The Mad Crept, Karl S Williams and Old Home along with visual artist Rene Danika. This lineup of bands represent a diverse alternative music scene on the Sunshine Coast and Meanjin/Brisbane. Taking influence from punk, experimental, hardcore, classical and Australian blues and creating something unique that pays homage to the DIY scenes of the area. 

Rene Danika’s work is based around her body of work titled ‘Left // Right’ and was originally exhibited at Vacant Assembly in 2020. Danika’s work references personal symbolism. Flowers as grief,  bitumen as structure and foundation, ornate frames as confinement, skin textures as ideas, and tape as the quick fix. This body of work uses reclaimed taxidermy, faux fur and bitumen saturated with black acrylic spray and body-like surface investigations. The toxicity and beautiful decay of her materials is intentional and used as a position for contemplation. 

This event and the artists involved acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land, the Gubbi Gubbi people. Sovereignty has never been ceded. It always was and always will be, Aboriginal land.

https://www.basketofhammers.com/