RESTITUTION... et après? Restitution...und dann?

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The restitution of African cultural heritage, long stolen and absent from the continent, is part of a reparative dynamic. Some countries such as Benin, Nigeria, or Ghana have recently seen a portion of their cultural heritage returned by former colonies. However, despite commendable gestures, much remains to be done. The restitution of these works also raises the question of their future.

Cheria Essieke, the curator of this exhibition, invites four talented, brilliant, and visionary African artists to address this question through their art, inspired by an Afro-futuristic spirit.

Chelsea Odufu, a visual artist, photographer, and filmmaker of Nigerian-Guyanese origin, prophesies in 2040 that God is a black woman through her satirical series titled "Black Lady Goddess." In this series, she imagines a world where indigenous peoples receive reparations.

Chidi Nwaubani, a multidisciplinary artist of Nigerian origin, proposes with his digital installation "Looty" a digital response to the issue of restitution. He digitally reappropriates the Benin bronze statues from the London museum to make them accessible to African youth deprived of these treasures.

Ibaaku, of Senegalese origin, a DJ and producer, offers us a musical installation, rich in a fusion between musical traditions of Jola cultures and electro.

Nuits Balnéaires, of Ivorian origin, presents a hybrid installation composed of photographs and artifacts around the traditions and heritage of Nzima culture, an Akan ethnic subgroup found in some countries in West Africa, including Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana.

This exhibition is supported by the Institut francais Mainz, their partners, and the Kultursommer RLP cultural fund.

 We invite anyone interested in contemporary art to join us for this promising exhibition, which innovatively and futuristically explores the future of the restitution of African cultural heritage. Come discover the fascinating works of our talented and committed artists, who use their art to address the crucial issues of our time. For more information, visit our website www.newafro.net.

The exhibition is open to visitors daily from May 25 to June 5, from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

Programm: 

23.05.2024

19:00

Opening 

22:00

After-Party 

Where: 3Sein Mainz

24.05.2024

19:00

Conversation with

Prof.Dr. Markus Messling,

Dr.Anna Maria Brandstetter und KünstlerInnen (English + Deutsch)

Moderation: Cheria Essieke & Alina Guillouet (New Afro) 

Where: Institut français Mainz

30.05.2024

18:00-22:00

Gallery Crawl (Part Mainz)

Where: Institut français Mainz

06.06.2024

19:00

Closing

Where: Institut français Mainz

Discover the artists ; Institut Français Mainz