MUSEUM news
LEFT: Standing fi gure, nkisi.
Kongo/Vili; DR Congo.
© Paso Doble – Studio Philippe de Formanoir.
RIGHT: Mask. Mano; Côte d’Ivoire.
© Paso Doble – Studio Philippe de Formanoir.
BELOW: Kendell Geers (South African,
working in Brussels), Twilight of the Idols
(Fetish). 2002.
Adhesive tape, found items, nails.
H: 64 cm.
Reproduced courtesy of the artist.
All above from the Sindika Dokolo Collection.
African IncarNations
BRUSSELS—There is a tendency to draw a line
of demarcation between traditional and contemporary
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art, especially in the fi eld of African
art, even when they come from periods that are
not widely separated in time. The sense of spirituality
that unites them is becoming more and
more apparent thanks in part to the fact that
they are increasingly presented together in exhibitions.
Far from being separate worlds with distinct
aesthetics, the two universes echo each other, resulting
in a dynamic and lively contrast. This spiritual power
is underscored in the IncarNations—African Art as Philosophy
exhibition at the BOZAR in Brussels from June
28–October 6, 2019. Curated by artist Kendell Geers and
collector Sindika Dokolo, this new presentation intends
to bring a unifi ed and unifying view to the entirety of
African art. Its divine, sacred, and symbolic aspects are
emphasized here more than aesthetics, though the past
and its masterpieces serve as the cornerstone of the exhibition.
These are joined by contemporary works that deal
with contemporary issues such as racial and social identity,
feminism, animism, and any number of other topics.
Together the totality of the complex African identity is
examined from multiple perspectives. This show is not
to missed.
RIGHT, TOP TO BOTTOM:
Justin Dingwall (South
African), Mob II. 2015.
Photographic print on 100% cotton art
paper. 84 x 119 cm.
Reproduced courtesy of the artist and
Lizamore & Associates.
Otobong Nkanga (Nigerian,
working in Antwerp),
Currency Affair & War and
Love Booty. 2011/2016.
Lambda print. 47.5 x 62.5 cm.
© Otobong Nkanga.
Zanele Muholi (South
African), Sibusiso, Cagliari,
Sardinia, Italy. 2015.
Silver print. 94 x 69.5 cm.
© Zanele Muholi, courtesy of
Stevenson Gallery, Cape Town and
Johannesburg.
BELOW: Neckrest. Luba, DR Congo.
© Paso Doble – Studio Philippe de Formanoir.