"From the spirit of the city's literary giants to body language and flirting in sign language. Tarik dedicates his night to language."
Tarik Oussama performs spoken word poetry at venues across Amsterdam and teaches creative writing in schools in the Bijlmer. Language — its power, its limits, its beauty — is his obsession. His Museum Night route follows the history of language and communication through Amsterdam's collections, from ancient writing systems to contemporary poetry.
The Power of Language
A route through the history of human communication — from ancient writing systems to contemporary poetry. Tarik's picks are for people who believe that words can change the world.
The Route
Ancient writing systems — cuneiform, hieroglyphics, Linear B. This is where language begins. The collection is extraordinary and the evening programme is excellent.
View museumEight centuries of written documents. The handwriting alone tells a story — how people wrote, what they chose to record, what they left out.
View museumThe most powerful diary ever written. The experience of reading her words in the space where they were written is unlike anything else.
View museumThe home of the greatest Dutch novelist of the 20th century. His library, his desk, his view of the canal. Language lives in spaces like this.
View museumThe spoken-word performance in the candlelit hall is the highlight of my night. A poet performing about death and memory in a museum about death. Perfect.
View museumEnd with print. The physical act of pressing ink onto paper — the oldest form of mass communication. You can make your own print to take home.
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