While the national pavilions remain the grand dame of the Venice Biennale, a vibrant ecosystem of collateral events pulsates around them. This year, African artists are making a strong showing beyond their designated spaces, offering a diverse range of perspectives that challenge and complement the central exhibition.
Urban rhythms in abstract form
Ethiopian-American artist Julie Mehretu takes center stage at Palazzo Grassi with a career-spanning retrospective, "Ensemble." The exhibition, co-curated by Mehretu herself, delves into 25 years of her artistic journey, showcasing her signature style of layered abstractions that pulsate with the energy of urban landscapes. Think translucent veils of paint and paper obscuring and revealing, hinting at architectural fragments, graffiti marks, and the intricate dance of city life. Mehretu's work transcends mere aesthetics, offering a captivating exploration of the dynamism inherent in the modern metropolis.
‘Ensemble’ is curated by Caroline Bourgeois.
Julie Mehretu, “Ensemble”.Palazzo Grassi. March 17–June 1
Turning E-waste into art
Elias Sime, another Ethiopian artist, takes a very different approach at Tanarte. His exhibition, "Dichotomy ፊት አና ጀርባ" (Amharic for "Front and Back"), delves into the intricate relationship between humanity, technology, and nature. Here, the focus is on repurposed technological detritus. Motherboards, wires, and discarded computer parts transform into mesmerizing sculptural installations, woven and braided together. Sime's work isn't just visually striking; it critiques our digital age, reflecting on the environmental impact of technology with a powerful message on sustainability.
‘Dichotomy’ is co-curated by Meskerem Assegued and Felicity Korn,
Elias Sime, “Dichotomy ፊት አና ጀርባ”. Tanarte. Apr. 20–Nov. 24
Black Female identity in a globalized world
Moving beyond individual artists, the 193 Gallery, a Parisian tastemaker, presents "Passengers in Transit" at its Venice space. Curated by the Centre for Contemporary Art, Lagos, this group show brings together five women artists of African descent. Taking its cue from the Biennale's main theme, the exhibition explores themes of cross-cultural identity through the lens of the Black female body. From Thandiwe Muriu's playful photography to April Bey's bold textile collages, the works in "Passengers in Transit" ask profound questions about belonging and self-expression in a world where borders are increasingly porous.
“Passengers in Transit” is curated by Paula Nascimento, Oyindamola Faithful, and Roger Niyigena Karera. (“Passengers in Transit”. 193 Gallery. April 20–November 24)
These are just a few examples of the rich tapestry of African art on display at the 2024 Venice Biennale. By venturing beyond the national pavilions, visitors can discover a multitude of voices and artistic expressions that challenge our perceptions and offer fresh perspectives on the complexities of our contemporary world.
Article by Obidike Okafor