The exhibition "Dark Matter IV: Bayefall - The Concept of non-violence" by Netzwerk Medien Kunst can be seen on 27.11.24 from 7pm in the form of a preview on the occasion of the Neustadt Art Festival in the C.Rockefeller Centre. Within the exhibition there will be an improvisation concert by Alwin Weber and Seljuk Rustum from 8pm, in which sounds from the video installation will form the basis for an improvisation about the space. Part 2 will then be shown on 3 October, adding a photographic layer to the exhibition.

A new multi-channel video installation on the mystical brotherhood of the Bayefall Mourids in West African Senegal will be presented in the exhibition. Sound and video documents will be combined into a multimedia installation.

The Baye Fall movement, a significant sub-group within the larger Mourid Brotherhood in Senegal, represents a unique expression of Sufi Islam, combining deep spirituality with a philosophy of labour and non-violence. The Mourids themselves trace their origins back to Cheikh Amadou Bamba, a 19th century religious leader whose teachings emphasise hard work, self-reliance and devotion to the will of God. The Baye Fall, founded by Ibrahima Fall, one of Amadou Bamba's most devoted disciples, embody a particularly distinctive interpretation of these teachings.

At the centre of the Baye Fall identity is the principle of peaceful resistance and non-violence. This ethic was exemplified by Amadou Bamba himself, whose attitude towards colonial oppression was remarkably non-violent, despite the unrest under French colonial rule in West Africa. His quiet but powerful resistance became a symbol of spiritual resilience. He often urged his followers to fight injustice without physical violence by focusing on inner strength, patience and unwavering trust in God.

The Baye Fall interpret this non-violent philosophy through an ethic of service and hard work. The followers are known for their tireless efforts in the fields, markets and public works, believing that through labour and service they draw closer to God and contribute to a more harmonious and peaceful society. Their distinctive appearance-dreadlocks, colourful patchwork clothing and a modest lifestyle-reflects a rejection of materialism and a focus on spiritual devotion.

For the Baye Fall, nonviolence is not passive; it is an active commitment to living in harmony with others, promoting peace by example and resisting oppression with strength of character and perseverance. Their practice is in line with the broader Sufi principle of love for humanity and compassion that overcomes anger and conflict to find unity with the divine.

In this way, the Baye Fall represent not only a path of spiritual asceticism, but also a living testimony to the power of non-violent resistance in the face of adversity, inspired by the wisdom of their ancestors and adapted to modern times.

With contributions from Andreas Ullrich, Tatjana Bikic, Felix Ermacora, Seljuk Rustum and Alwin Weber