We Came Here exhibits at the former home of Vincent Van Gogh

We Came Here, an immersive sound, sculptural installation, and performative work by artist and educator Harold Offeh, which draws on ideas of migration, place and lived history opens on September 8 at Van Gogh House .

We Came Here presents young guides with lived experience of migration who welcome visitors into Van Gogh’s former home in Hackford Road in Stockwell.

Throughout the rooms of the house, sound, video and sculptural interventions reflect on the diverse narratives of migrant individuals, groups and organisations who came to live in Stockwell, Brixton and other parts of London.

Exploring the life of the 20-year old Vincent Van Gogh during his tenure at Hackford Road, Offeh became intrigued by the idea of the artist as a ‘migrant’ in London.

During a three-month residency at Van Gogh House in 2021, Offeh investigated Lambeth Archives, Black Cultural Archives and other historical sources researching the history of immigration to Stockwell and Brixton since Van Gogh left London over a century ago.

We Came Here builds on these stories and narratives, mapping on the perspectives of young migrants arriving in contemporary London, to build an idiosyncratic collection of accounts across generations.

Livia Wang, creative director at Van Gogh House said, “It is rare that Van Gogh is looked at through the lens of being a migrant.

“Instead, he is written about, and identifies himself as a traveller and a cosmopolitan. Harold’s line of enquiry has already brought up many questions of what it means to be a stranger in a city, and how this experience is shaped, perceived and documented. I am excited to see what stories he will uncover”.

Harold Offeh works in a range of media including performance, video, photography, learning and social arts practice.

He is interested in the space created by the inhabiting or embodying of histories, often using humour to confront the viewer with historical narratives and contemporary culture.

Website: We Came Here at the Van Gogh House London

Pictured: Artist Harold Offeh outside Van Gogh House, Stockwell – Picture: Van Gogh House