“Borders do not define the beauty of a culture; they merely reflect the diversity that flourishes beyond their drawn lines.”
Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o
This quote from the Kenyan writer resonates deeply with the essence of this exhibition. “Beyond Borders” takes this idea as its starting point, exploring how African artistic creativity transcends borders, creating a common visual language that speaks to all, beyond differences. It is a true ode to African creativity that goes beyond geographical, political and cultural constraints. The artists gathered for this exhibition bring their unique perspectives, defying pre-established boundaries to share captivating and exploratory visual narratives. The works on display embody the diversity and uniqueness of African experiences, and how they transcend physical and symbolic boundaries.
This group exhibition is an artistic celebration of African diversity that transcends geographical and cultural boundaries. It seeks to go beyond map-defined eras to explore the richness of contemporary artistic expression from Africa. You can discover works by artists Soly Cissé, Aliou Diack, Kendell Geers, Jems Koko Bi, Abdoulaye Konaté, Siriki Ky, Mohamed Lekleti, Adjaratou Ouédraogo, Fathiya Tahiri and Barthélémy Toguo.
Each of these artists makes a unique contribution to the continent’s cultural and artistic mosaic. Provocative and iconoclastic South African artist Kendell Geers transcends artistic boundaries, while Abdoulaye Konaté weaves unique visual narratives through monumental textile works. Siriki Ky’s sculptures explore the connection between tradition and modernity, while Barthélémy Toguo engages the viewer with a critical perspective on global issues. The exhibition offers an emotional journey through the powerful creations of Soly Cissé, the exploration of African identity through the expressive sculptures of Jems Koko Bi, and the poetic and multiform perspectives of the everyday scenes painted by Adjaratou Ouédraogo. Senegalese artist Aliou Diack expresses himself through experimentation with materials, while Mohamed Lekleti’s drawings explore the invisible and unspeakable. Finally, Moroccan visual artist Fathiya Tahiri offers her take on the universal and the particular.
Beyond borders – February 8 to March 9, 2024 at LaGalerie 38 Marrakech
Opening: Thursday February 8, 2024 from 7:30pm
