Legacy of slavery runs through African art biennale in Senegal
Artists from the US and across Africa interpret Dakar exhibition’s theme, tied to slavery’s past and future repercussions, in various ways
A whirlwind of colour and art at the opening of this year’s Dakar Biennale of Contemporary African Art, known as Dak’Art, in the Senegalese capital stood in stark contrast to the serious topic of slavery featuring in the artworks of guest artists from the United States.
The seven African-American artists’ works examine the past, present and future repercussions of slavery.
Traditional boubous, wide-sleeved robes worn across West Africa, mixed with black suits and ties at the opening of the biennale in Dakar.
The exhibition, founded in 1989 by the Senegalese government to promote the continent’s thriving art scene, has over the years become one of the most important among African artists.
This year’s theme, “The Wake”, has 58 artists from 33 countries exploring various meanings and evocations of the term, such as exhumation, mourning and uprooting, according to the organisers.
