Abondance Matanda

Abondance Matanda

WriterLondon, United Kingdom
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Abondance Matanda

Abondance Matanda

WriterLondon, United Kingdom
About me
I'm an arts and culture writer and poet with particular interests in Black British culture, young people and contemporary art. I like to explore and experiment with ideas about language, class and identity. My influences range from the music of Ms Dynamite to the writings of Toni Cade Bambara to Congolese music videos from the 90s. Since 2015 I have self-published three handmade poetry books, for which I independently organised and curated launch events featuring exhibitions, readings and performances. I am currently working on another book, as well as hoping to curate more exhibitions and continue exploring the art world.
Projects
  • Road Gals LDN
    Road Gals LDNI helped organise this event as part of Rich Mix's Revolution season. It was a team effort to elevate the experiences and narratives of girls in London's grime and hip hop culture over the years. I curated the digital exhibition that was projected on loop all night, as well as a 30-minute screening of short films. I also hosted a short panel discussion called Real Talk with three creative collectives of all women, and collaborated with my fellow organiser Jasmine Kahlia to create a zine called London Teen, which was sold on the night alongside other merchandise.
  • Hard Ears
    Hard EarsI contributed an article about old school music videos to Ronan Mckenzie's first issue of Hard Ears which is themed Old, as well as a poem called Choong Ting which was exhibited on the launch night, on which I also did a reading of both pieces.
Projects credited in
  • Creatives Discuss Depression
    Creatives Discuss DepressionWe took a moment to sit down with some of the creatives in our growing network to talk mental health and depression. This film survey's the varied and diverse independent experiences of individuals struggling with currently, or that have previously battled with the illness. Negative Mental Health is barrier many young people are facing. The lack of transparency, open conversation and the shadow stigma still casts over the subject cause many to retreat into themselves instead of sharing what t
  • STEP into the Smithsonian
    STEP into the SmithsonianAn immersive training experience in museums and research based in Washington DC - at the largest museum in the world
  • NIKE WOMEN
    NIKE WOMENFilm for the latest Nike sports bra collection director Eloise King depicts featured artists including Belen Leroux in a dream-like sequence set to a commissioned poem written and performed by Abondance Matanda, with original music composition by Asriel Hayes - to celebrate the strength and capability of female bodies.
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Work history
    Blog Writer
    Rivington Pl, London EC2A 3BA, UKFreelance
    I'll soon be contributing a blog post to the library's website about my research into the work and career of Lubaina Himid, a significant Black British contemporary artist.
Skills
  • Poetry
  • Interviewing
  • Curation
  • Artwork Commissioning
  • Self-publishing
  • Public Talking
  • Research
  • Writing