Our Side of Things
︎2023A look into Freestyle Football in Australia.
Our Side of Things was a hybrid public event and exhibition that embraces the layered subculture of freestyle football in Australia. Influenced by football (soccer), circus, breaking (breakdance), hip hop battle culture and many other forms, with its roots in ancient Southern and South East Asia, freestyle football represents a contemporary border-breaking art form that is quickly gathering momentum through digital platforms.
Full program
Sat 26 Aug
Main event 12–5pm
Australia’s best freestylers went head to head in a series of freestyle football battles.
Sun 27 Aug
Workshop 12–2pm
Jay Hennicke, Jordan Morrison and Tobias Becs exhibited and taught participants the art of freestyle football.
Freestyle jam 2–5pm
Freestylers practiced, shared and communicated within the space. This event was open for the audience to watch or participate.
Mon 28 Aug
Late session 5–9pm
Jamming 6–7pm
Tues 29 Aug
Rest Day
Wed 30 Aug–Sat 2 Sep
Exhibition open 12–5pm
Jamming 1–2pm
Curated by Feras Shaheen and Jay Hennicke///
Artists/Collaborators: Tobias Becs, Jordan Morrison, Jay Hennicke, Tom Kentta, Curtis Maher, Zac Roberts, Jakob Semajer-Garic, Feras Shaheen, Susan Sohar, Albert Hua, Moh Nazari, Yuki Tokimoto, Ben Kelly, Dylan Stipack, Luke Cartwright, Hobart Breakers, DJ DynOmite Drew, DJ Brow
Pip Stafford interviews Feras Shaheen and Jay Hennicke, curators of Our Side of Things. The installation and associated programs were a vivid representation of freestyle football battles, workshops, and a celebration of the culture, incorporating dance, design, and sports. In this interview Feras recounts his experience combining his interest in dance and football, while Jay talks about his journey as a freestyle footballer that started at 14. The episode records their insights into this unique culture and its representation within the gallery. They share the inspiration behind aesthetics of the installation, freestyle football competition experiences, and their influences from other cultures and communities.
Additional live audio courtesy of Feras Shaheen and Jay Hennicke from Our Side of Things main event, 26 August 2023
Our Side Of Things visual identity and exhibition design by Feras Shaheen.
Photography by Eden Meure
Side panel video edited by Ben Kelly
Side panel video edited by Ben Kelly
Supported by Contemporary Art Tasmania, Arts Tasmania and the Australian Government’s Regional Arts Fund.