As we double down on the relationship between Art and the Environment, its important that we spotlight events, exhibitions and artists who dedicate their practice and capabilites to preserving our livelihood. Acknowledging the severity of biodegradation and the ongoing climate change that experts and certain concerned organizations persistently emphasize, we have curated a list of African-centric exhibitions that transport us through their respective palatinate while amplifying environmental sustainability.
1. Dineo Seshee Raisibe Bopape: (ka) pheko ye – the dream to come
Showing at Migros Museum für Gegenwartskunst, Zurich, Switzerland from June 8 to September 8, 2024, Dineo Seshee Bopape's exhibition shines light on the concept of dreams and their potential to shape a more sustainable future. With soil being one of the recurring matters, Bopape's works, which incorporate a range of natural materials and found objects, explore the interplay between the human and natural terrain, challenging viewers to rethink their relationship with the environment. Through tapping into the power of the subconscious and the emotive qualities of her chosen materials, Bopape invites visitors to envision a future where humanity and nature coexist in harmony.
2. Bode Group Show: Midsommar
The group exhibition takes inspiration from the ancient Swedish midsummer festival, which celebrates the height of the summer season and the abundance of nature. The participating artists draw on themes of African heritage, environmental management and accountability, the cycles of nature, and the interconnectedness of all living things. Through a diverse range of mediums, including sculpture, installation, and performance, the artists encourage viewers to reconnect with the natural world and find ways to contribute to its preservation. Midsommar is showing at Bode, Berlin, Germany from Jun 8 to August 4, 2024.
3. Merveille Kelekele Kelekele: Chez les miens
Merveille Kelekele Kelekele's exhibition, "Chez les miens (among my people)," his first exhibition on the African continent explores the artist's personal and cultural connections to the natural environment. Drawing from his Congolese descent, “the human psyche and the enigmatic nature of existence,” Kelekele's work reflects on the ways in which traditional African communities have historically lived in harmony with their surroundings, drawing on sustainable practices and a deep respect for the land. The concept of the exhibition which opened at Bwo Gallery on 11 May 2024 and running through July 6, seeks to inspire a renewed appreciation for the environment and the need to safeguard it for future generations.
4. Xenson: Olidde Mupipa
In his solo exhibition "Olidde Mupipa," Xenson investigates the various ways in which discarded materials, such as steel barrels and charcoal-burning stoves, can be repurposed and transformed into artworks. In reconfiguring these objects, Xenson not only draws attention to the environmental impact of waste and the importance of sustainable practices but also celebrates the ingenuity and resourcefulness of local communities in finding new uses for discarded items. The exhibition opened on 4th April 2024 at Nairobi Contemporary Art Institute (NCAI), Nairobi, Kenya, and will run until July 13, 2024.
