A conversation with researcher and architectural historian, Samia Henni, as she discusses her current exhibition at Framer Framed, titled Performing Colonial Toxicity. This thought-provoking exhibition (9 Oct. 2023 – 14 Jan. 2024)—a collaboration with If I Can’t Dance, I Don’t Want To Be Part Of Your Revolution—delves into the history of nuclear experiments in Algeria's Sahara desert and their long-lasting effects. Through interactive stations featuring photographs, maps, and testimonies, Samia aims to tangibly demonstrate the invisible impacts of nuclear colonialism. She also emphasizes the need for justice and accountability for those affected by nuclear testing and the importance of addressing the health of individuals exposed to radiation in contaminated environments.
She sheds light on violence during the Algerian War and human experimentation in the struggle for Algeria's independence from France. The exhibition prioritize amplifying the voices of victims, preserving their stories, and raising awareness about the enduring consequences of colonialism. Through innovative approaches and collaborations, these exhibitions seek to educate and engage visitors, sparking crucial conversations about the ongoing impacts of nuclear colonialism and the necessity for action and change.