Selma Selman's '600 Years of Migrant Mothers' Exhibition Explores Female Lineage

Kunsthuis SYB in the Netherlands is hosting a significant new exhibition by artist Selma Selman, titled '600 Years of Migrant Mothers,' which runs from June 13 to August 23, 2025. The exhibition showcases a series of monumental paintings, films, drawings, and extensive research materials that delve into Selman's family history and the broader implications of female lineage, particularly within marginalized communities.

This exhibition marks Selman's first solo showcase in the bilingual region of Friesland and is the product of a collaboration between Kunsthuis SYB and Arcadia - Paradys. According to Arnisa Zeqo, the curator, the project aims to highlight the often-invisible contributions of women in shaping familial and cultural identities. Selman's work interrogates the intersection of personal history and political power, asking critical questions about who has access to their familial narratives and how such access can influence societal dynamics.

Selman's research traces her foremothers, focusing on the female lineage that has been overshadowed by a prevailing patriarchal narrative, especially within Roma communities in Southeast Europe. She emphasizes the significance of genealogy as a means of reclaiming power and voice for women, which has been historically marginalized. As Selman articulates, "Unpacking female family lineage means unpacking years of displacement of Roma communities in Southeast Europe," demonstrating the vital role of personal histories in understanding broader socio-political contexts.

The exhibition features haunting artworks, including a large metal diptych depicting generations of women, where an eyeless self-portrait of Selman symbolizes the reclamation of sight and voice for her ancestors. This visual narrative is complemented by research conducted in cities with significant Roma populations, such as Prishtina and Sarajevo, where male lineage has been predominantly celebrated. Selman’s approach combines feminist strategies of fictional genealogy with historical research and interviews, offering a nuanced perspective that aims to visualize the experiences of displaced women.

In examining how stories shared around the kitchen table can be forgotten, Selman’s work encourages viewers to reflect on the accessibility of familial narratives and the implications of their absence in contemporary discourse. The artist's exploration into the forgotten stories of her foremothers serves as a reminder of the resilience and strength embedded in female heritage.

As noted by Dr. Alice Thompson, a cultural historian at the University of Amsterdam, "Selma Selman's work is crucial not only in its artistic merit but also in its capacity to address and confront historical invisibility. It challenges us to reconsider the narratives we hold about lineage and power."

The exhibition encourages dialogue about the role of women in shaping cultural identities and the importance of recognizing their contributions, particularly in contexts where they have been historically overlooked. By bringing together diverse artistic mediums, Selman’s '600 Years of Migrant Mothers' invites viewers to engage with the complexities of maternal histories and their significance in understanding contemporary societal issues.

In conclusion, Selma Selman's exhibition at Kunsthuis SYB is not just an artistic endeavor; it is a vital exploration of the intersection of art, history, and political discourse regarding women's roles in family narratives. The exhibition promises to leave a lasting impact and provoke essential conversations about identity, power, and the reclamation of women's stories in an ever-evolving socio-political landscape.