A virtual writing workshop exploring the mourning and melancholia that comes with living in the diaspora.
In 1917, Sigmund Freud wrote an essay called “Mourning And Melancholia” about World War I. According to Freud, mourning happens immediately when we lose something or someone. But then there is melancholia, which is never-ending; a mourning without end.
80+ years later, David Eng and Shinhee Han, coined the concept of racial melancholia, an ongoing mourning as it relates to our identity. Those of us who are living as part of the diaspora never quite properly mourn or “get over” the losses of our homeland, of our language, of our culture. As assimilation is a never-ending, always-evolving process, so too is this sense of loss.
We are excited to bring you this workshop with Massy Arts Society where we will pay homage to that melancholia we feel through migration – however far back that might go in our history. Through writing prompts, story sharing, and conversation, we will explore the intricate complexities of living in between cultures and the grief and gratitude that may come from that experience.
No writing experience is necessary. Only an open heart and an open mind with a readiness to give and receive vulnerability. We’ve carefully and intentionally designed this workshop to be intimate and generative. We’ll give you writing prompts to spark your creativity in a safe and positive environment. All writing materials will be provided.
Cost: Sliding scale donation of $20-40
Location & VENUE
The event will be hosted at the Massy Arts Gallery at 23 East Pender Street in Chinatown, Vancouver. Massy Arts Society is a community hub dedicated to supporting the practices of Indigenous and over-excluded artists.
The gallery is wheelchair accessible and a gender-neutral washroom is on-site. Please refrain from wearing scents or heavy perfumes.
For more on accessibility including parking, seating, venue measurements and floor plan, and how to request ASL interpretation please visit: massyarts.com/accessibility
Covid Protocols: Masks keep our community safe and are mandatory (N95 masks are recommended as they offer the best protection).
We ask if you are showing symptoms, that you stay home.
About Your Facilitator: Justine Abigail Yu
Justine Abigail Yu is the founder of Living Hyphen. She is an award-winning workshop facilitator whose work with Living Hyphen has been featured on international, national, and local media outlets including the Globe & Mail, NextShark, CTV National News, and CBC. She was named a “Changemaker” by the Toronto Star in October 2021.
Justine Abigail is a fierce advocate for diversity and representation in Canada’s arts and literature scene. Her mission is to stir the conscience and spur social change.
Follow her work at justineabigail.com or across socials at @justineabigail.
ABOUT FINANCIAL ACCESSIBILITY
At Living Hyphen, we strive to make all our initiatives financially sustainable while also maintaining artistic independence and ensuring accessibility for our community. Our creative workshops will always have a few subsidized pricing options for those experiencing financial hardship. Registration for this workshop is at a sliding scale donation of $20-40.