Stepping into the spotlight at the prestigious Venice Biennale, Nigeria and Benin are set to make waves with their inaugural national pavilions. These debuts, alongside Morocco’s continued presence, mark a pivotal moment for African representation on the global art stage.
Curated by the dynamic Aindrea Emelife, the Nigerian pavilion promises to “embrace the unexpected” and “shake off narrow stereotypes.” Titled “Nigeria Imaginary,” the exhibition features a diverse lineup of artists like Yinka Shonibare and Toyin Ojih Odutola, exploring themes of identity, liberation, and a reimagined future.
Sunshine Alaibe, director of Art Report Africa, echoes the growing momentum of African art. From Nollywood’s cinematic boom to Afrobeats’ global domination, artists across the continent are “bulldozing” their way into international consciousness. Events like Art X Lagos and Dak’art further propel this artistic renaissance.
Azu Nwagbogu, who helms the Benin pavilion, hails the simultaneous participation of the two nations as a “milestone for Africa.” He underlines Benin’s unique cultural position, fostered by its open-border policy and President Talon’s leadership in art restitution.
Nwagbogu’s pavilion, titled “Everything Precious Is Fragile,” features four artists like Mofouli Bello and Romuald Hazoumé. Drawing inspiration from historical events like the slave trade and the bravery of the Dahomey Amazons, the exhibition grapples with the fragility of history and the urgent issues of our time.
Emelife’s vision for “Nigeria Imaginary” is deeply rooted in the power of imagination. “It is the most fertile and powerful tool of liberation,” she asserts. The pavilion delves into the complexities of the Nigerian identity, navigating optimism and disquiet to envision a multitude of possible futures.
Notably, Emelife will also curate the upcoming Museum of West African Art (Mowaa) in Benin City, further cementing the region’s artistic prominence. Collaboration with Christie’s and support from artists like Shonibare showcase the unwavering dedication to this artistic milestone.
The 60th Venice Biennale, curated by Adriano Pedrosa, explores the timely theme of “Stranieri Ovunque,” or “Foreigners Everywhere,” reflecting a world in flux. In this context, the contributions of Nigeria and Benin offer powerful testimonies to the richness and resilience of African art, promising to leave a lasting mark on the global stage.