The Bamako Encounters, Africa's premier photography biennale has announced 30 artists and a thought-provoking theme: "Kuma," which translates to "The Word" in Bambara. This year's edition, running from November 16, 2024 to January 15, 2025, promises a dynamic exploration of the relationship between word and image.
A Rich Pool of Talent
A record number of submissions from across the globe reflects the event's growing stature. The selected artists, a diverse group of photographers, videographers, and visual artists, hail from various African nations and the diaspora. The 30 artists announced are:
Victor Adewale (Nigeria), Bernard Akoi-Jackson (Ghana), Héla Ammar (Tunisia), Nabil Boutros (Egypt), Cédrick-Isham Calvados (Guadeloupe), Caroline Déodat (France/Mauritius), Jeannette Ehlers (Denmark/Trinidad- and-Tobago), Willow Evann (France/Ivory Coast), Mounir Fatmi (Morocco), Ismaël Mahamoudou Laouli Illa (Niger), Arnold Tagne Fokam (Cameroon), Zara Julius (South Africa), Massow Ka (Senegal) , Kevin Kabambi (DR Congo), Seyba Keita (Mali), John Kalapo (Mali), M’hammed Kilito (Morocco), Cynthia R. Matonhodze (Zimbabwe), Primo Mauridi (DR Congo), Mariam Niaré (Mali), Osakpolor Omoregie (Nigeria), Amine Oulmakki (Morocco), Marc Posso (Gabon), Arilala Ophélia Ralamboson (Madagascar), Nuno Silas (Mozambique), Kanni Sissoko (Mali) and Yvon Ngassam (Cameroon), Maheder Haileselassie Tadese (Ethiopia), Dior Thiam (Germany/Senegal), Sethembiso Zulu (South Africa)
The Paradox of Silence and Speech
At first glance, photography might seem inherently silent. Yet, the 14th Bamako Encounters delves into this very paradox. The curators invite artists to experiment with new forms, weaving narratives through the interplay of word and image. The exhibition will explore diverse forms of speech – from eloquence and anger to hope, silence, and noise.
The curators emphasize the inherent dialogue between words and images. Descriptions can illuminate a photograph, while a photograph can amplify a written message. Photography's ability to capture fleeting moments serves as a powerful tool for preserving history and shaping our understanding of the present and future.
The exhibition extends its exploration beyond explicit speech, acknowledging the power of gestures and silence. It serves as a call to artists and thinkers to consider the profound ideas embedded in silence as well as vocal expression.
The curators raise critical questions about navigating the contemporary mediascape, saturated with an incessant flow of information – true and false. They explore the challenges of making one's voice heard amidst this cacophony, particularly within the African context.
The exhibition confronts the rise of artificial intelligence and its potential impact on artistic expression. As the boundaries between the real and virtual blur, the curators ponder the future role of photography as a medium for storytelling.
Salif Keita: Ambassador of the 14th Edition
Legendary Malian musician Salif Keita serves as the official ambassador for the 14th Bamako Encounters. His powerful voice embodies the spirit of the exhibition, urging us to listen, question, and create.
The 14th Bamako Encounters is a call to collective action. With the world facing climate change and other pressing issues, the exhibition urges artists to consider new, innovative ways to advocate for a better future. It invites a renewed appreciation for silence as a space for reflection and contemplation.
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