Come with the rap artist Arif, one of Norway’s most renowned musicians, on a journey through his inner world – a journey that opens a space for community and creativity. Arif at MUNCH is an immersive experience combining Arif’s new music with film, light, interactivity, events and more. Inspiration from the art of Edvard Munch also plays into the experience. The internationally acclaimed Chinese-American filmmaker Andrew Thomas Huang has developed the overall concept and narrative of the show.

You’ll also get to see Arif himself at close quarters – he’ll actually be working on new material in a sound studio within the exhibition space. Here you can observe and listen to Arif’s creative process.

Arif’s brand new music tracks are included in a film film written and directed by up-and-coming filmmaker Wukda from London. Projected on a massive 60 feet, curved screen, the film takes you on an emotional journey between Zanzibar, where Arif’s family came from, and Oslo. Follow Arif as he travels through time and space in search of his personal and artistic identity. This journey takes place via the spiral interior of a shell – an important symbol for Arif connecting past, present and future. 

There are plenty of events to take part in during Arif at MUNCH, from coffee ceremonies to fanzine, jewellery and hairdressing workshops, DJ sets, hiphop dance battles, concerts, talks and more. Participants include Zeshan Zakar, Don Martin, Spekter, House of Afro, Oslo World Ung, Steffen Andersen, Samskaping, 1313 Selah, Floke, William Waardal and Assata.

More details will be announced soon on our website, in the ‘What’s On’ events calendar.

Arif at MUNCH is an immersive experience arising out of the museum’s ambition to make art important and relevant to the widest possible audience. Read more about how Arif at MUNCH breaks down barriers here.

Bio: Arif

Arif has come a long way. Growing up in the Oslo suburbs of Skullerud and Bogerud as the son of parents who had emigrated from Zanzibar, he experienced racism and poverty, but also care and fellowship. In 2024 he won the Spellemann prize for Best Hiphop. Making music has been his way of discovering and expressing himself. In his tracks Arif shares his experiences of joy and pain, love and depression, friendship and conflict.

As well as being a musician, Arif has also worked as a writer and actor. He has also involved himself in various social projects in order to give young people in Oslo the possibility of making a positive change in their lives.

Bio: Andrew Thomas Huang

Writer-director Andrew Thomas Huang crafts hybrid fantasy worlds and mythical dreamscapes. He is a Grammy-nominated music video director who has collaborated with artists including Björk, FKA Twigs and Thom Yorke. His films have been commissioned by and exhibited at the Museum of Modern Art, NYC, Sydney Opera House and the Museum of Contemporary Art, LA. 

Huang also directs for film and TV, including an episode of Random Acts of Flyness on HBO. Inspired by his Chinese heritage, queer Asian mythology and folklore, Huang is currently developing his feature film Tiger Girl. Huang graduated with a degree in Fine Art and Animation from the University of Southern California.

Bio: Wukda

Wukda is a film director and photographer who draws inspiration from art, music and life experiences to construct stories about human nature.

After studying Fine Arts, Wukda started to film his dancer friends for fun, which led to working on music videos and branded content where he developed his style of beautiful framing, dynamic camera movement and engaging performances. During lockdown, Wukda wrote two experimental films that allowed him to develop his voice and a style of highly thought-provoking work. Can We Talk and War Within both received widespread acclaim. Wukda is currently working on his debut short film.

Photo: Nikkyzabo