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wonderful collection of contemporary African art is on show at
the Museum Kunst Palast, Duesseldorf, Germany from 24 July
till 7 November 2004. The exhibition titled 'Africa Remix'
is arguably the most comprehensive display of African talents
in the world of modern art. In an interview with AFRITOPIC,
the project head of the exhibition, Dr. Claudia Banz talks
enthusiastically about the initiative, the
discussions/arguments and the collective efforts leading to
the success of the project.
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Afritopic: Who initiated the idea for
the exhibition?
Banz: The initiative developed some
years ago from dialogues about projects with focus on Africa
conceived by the general director of the museum and a
colleague. The idea started to take shape as discussions
included artists and members of other sectors of the museum.
Afritopic: How was the concept developed?
Banz:
Through the dialogues, collaboration with equal rights was
formed between all 4 sectors of the museum. We held meetings
to discuss how the project could be realized.
From the discussions, we collected ideas, opinions and
all types information that might be helpful. The ideas were
analyzed at meetings and modifications as well as new
suggestions were made. Meanwhile, potential sponsors for the
project were sighted and the curators sought. The process of
holding meetings, gathering ideas, modifying or discarding
ideas went on for several months. We sometimes had heated
arguments ensuing from individual preferences and views on the
scope or the content of the exhibition.
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| Alexander,
Jane (South Africa). African
Adventure,
1999-2000
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| We had discussion and project partners from France, England
and The Netherlands among others. Most of these people have
extensive experience in art history, ethnology,
colonial-Africa topics and related fields. Those with affinity
to francophone countries lobbied for more artworks from former
French colonies, those with relationships to England wanted to
see more works from English speaking countries and discussion
partners with particular tastes tried to have more artworks of
their favourite artists represented.
Through combined efforts of all, we gradually developed an
acceptable concept for the exhibition. The concept was based
on 3 themes, namely, Body & Soul, History & Identity and City & Land. An international team
of curators was built and the Cameroonian, Simon Njami was
appointed as the main curator. Njami traveled extensively to
meet artists, select artworks and commission some works for
the show. It was really tough to achieve a relatively balanced
mixture of different artists from different African countries.
But I believe that the result is commendable
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| Samba,
Cheri (DR Kongo). La
monde vomissant, 2004
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Afritopic: In
general, people refer to
African sculptures, in particular African masks in discussions
on African art. Was this topic an issue at the meetings?
Banz: Yes
indeed. We were aware that this is the notion of African art
that the general public has. But as the word 'Remix'
suggests, we want to show how African art has evolved over the
years through the works of contemporary African artists. We
want the show to serve as a provocation. We want the public to
see and be informed that there are diverse forms of African
art. |
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| Musa,
Hassan (Sudan). Great
American Nude, 2002 |
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The expressive forms of African art range from drawings,
paintings, photographic prints, installations and
implementation of different media including modern video
techniques. Yes, African art encompasses sculptures but not limited
to sculpturing.
We do not intend to forget or depart with the older
generation of African artists. The works of the elderly
graphic artist Bouabre and the sculptor Jackson Hlungwani
testify to this. But we do want to present modern African art
in its creative diversity. In selecting the artists/artworks
we tried to have a blend of acclaimed, renowned and popular as
well relatively unknown but highly gifted young artists. We
are of the opinion that this approach is necessary to give
young artists support and exposure to the global art
community.
In all, works of 88 artists from 25 African
countries are presented on 3 floors of the Museum Kunst Palast
building. The works include drawings, paintings,
photographical prints, films, videos, music, installations,
sculpture, fashion and furniture design. This exclusive aspect
of the exhibition gives the general public a better insight of
contemporary African art, which many believe was not achieved
by the last DOCUMENTA 11 in Kassel, Germany 2002. |
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| Afritopic: So
far, what sorts of
feedbacks have you received from visitors about the
exhibition?
Banz:
The feedbacks have been generally positive. Many
visitors with pre-conceived ideas of what they expect to see
are surprised at the exhibition. The surprise induces the need for
discussions and anxiety to know more about the artists and the
works on show.
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| Kingelez,
Bodys Isek (DR Kongo). Ville
de Sete en 3009, 2000 |
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It is quite interesting to listen to opinions
and views of visitors who are confronted for the first time
with this collection of African art. Most of them are ardent
and excited. Some visitors question the image of poor Africa
created by the media in comparison with the richness in
fantasy and material composed into works of art by African
artist. In general, Africa is perceived as a continent
beleaguered with problems, diseases and hunger. Many even
believe that no artist can work and make a living in Africa.
It feels good to be able to explain to the public that there
is other side of Africa to the image of Africa projected by
the media.
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| El
Anatsui (Ghana). Sasa,
2004
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Afritopic: Realizing the project is a
long process. How did you cope with the stress involved?
Banz: The process of realizing the exhibition is long and
demanding. But it was fantastic working with people with
different backgrounds and artists with high imaginative power.
We were like a family and had a lot of fun. We helped each
other and take decisions together. We decide the optimal place
to present an installation, hang a framed photographic print
or display a video art. It was an exceptional
experience.
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| Mwangi,
Ingrid (Kenia)
. Down
by the river, 2001 |
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Afritopic: You seem to be naturally
inclined to organizing/taking part in cultural activities. Do
you have a background or interest in the field?
Banz: I studied archeology and have worked on some cultural/ethnic
projects. I worked for Haus
der Kulturen der Welt (House of World Cultures), which is a leading organization for cultural
relationship/activities in Germany. I stayed in India for a
while working on a project. I have not been to Africa, but I
would love to, as soon as the opportunity arises. I am
interested in working/participating in cultural projects. Art in all its forms enables intercultural contacts. I would
like to continue working in this field.
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| Some
artists' works> |
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| Ntakiyica,
Aime (Burundi). WIR
- Spanier, 2003 |
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Afritopic: What is your
opinion about
the development of such exhibition as the 'Africa Remix'
and the public in Germany in the future?
Banz: 'Africa Remix' is first of
its kind in Germany. The exhibition shows a collection of
contemporary African art that is new to the German public.
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| Mthethwa,
Zwelethu (South Africa). Untitled,
2003 |
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In a way it
serves to show the general public the other side of Africa and
at least make the visitors think over the popular cliche
about Africa. I hope that more of such exhibitions are
organized, showing the creativity and activities going on in
the continent. Hopefully, with time, the public would develop an
objective view about Africa. This educational aspect, is the
valuable side effect of exhibitions.
Afritopic: Thank
you for the interview. Banz: Nice
talking to you. You
are welcome.
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Exhibition Details
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Curatorial Team
Simon Njami: Main curator. Lives in Paris
Jean-Hubert Martin: General director,
Museum Kunst Palast, Duesseldorf
Marie-Laure Bernadac: Advisor on contemporary art at the Louvre,
Paris;
Curator,
Centre Georges Pompidou
David Elliott: Director,
Mori Art Museum, Tokyo
Roger Malbert: Curator,
Hayward Gallery, London
Alfred Pacquement, Director, Centre Georges
Pompidou, Paris
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Venues/Dates
museum kunst palast, Duesseldorf / Germany:
24 July - 7 November 2004
Hayward Gallery, London / United Kingdom:
10 February - 17 April 2005
Centre Georges Pompidou, Paris / France:
15 May - 20 August 2005
Mori Art Museum, Tokyo / Japan:
February - May 2006
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| Afritopic
2004 |
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