Trueform Projects

East in West Vinyl Archive

East in West Vinyl Archive is a project by TrueForm projects which consists of the custodial care of South Asian records from Oriental Star Agencies that was based in Balsall Heath. The project aims to highlight the oral and physical histories of the archive and the shared collective memories through workshops, communal events and listening sessions. Haseebah was commissioned by Trueform projects as an artist, workshop facilitator and translator, working with members of libraries as well as the general public to highlight the work of the archive and celebrate the memories that the records hold for the community.

SUNO Sessions

SUNO sessions were creative community workshops, and the ones that Haseebah facilitated were based in Smethwick and Handsworth library, and Moseley Hive. During the sessions, participants created their own album artwork using collage techniques inspired by the South Asian vinyl album sleeves, mixing different art styles whilst also including their own illustrative elements.

The workshop were accompanied by music from the archive where participants could pick out physical album sleeves, listen to their choice of song and connect with others. The session at Handsworth library was a collaboration between both Haseebah, Trueform projects and Dunya.

Photography by Priya Veda Pathak

Haseebah with Seema at Interpretations Live

Translations + Interpretations Live

During Translations and Interpretations Live, Haseebah collaborated with her mother to translate some of their favourite songs in the East is West Vinyl archive along with artist Seema Mattu. The events became an in conversation with both her mother and Seema, listening to the tracks with an audience as well as dissecting the lyrics and sharing their own personal memories tied to the songs.

One of the most enjoyable memories for Haseebah was seeing the nostalgia and joy in the room, and having a chance to work with her mother for the first time within her practise.