By : Lloyd Mahachi
The city of Dakar in Senegal is buzzing with excitement as the Dakar Biennale of Contemporary African Arts takes place. This month-long event brings together hundreds of artists, curators, and art lovers from around the world. The event features pop-up exhibitions in hundreds of venues, including stylish hotels and local art galleries.
For the first time, local artisans from the Soumbedioune crafts market are participating in the event. They were approached by two designers, Kemi Bassène and Khadim Ndiaye, who proposed a joint exhibition. The artisans were asked to interpret the theme of “hippo,” which was chosen because it is easily recognizable across Africa.
The exhibition has been a huge success, with locals and visitors alike flocking to see the creative works on display. There are hippo earrings, a hippo necklace, a giant wooden sculpture of a sleeping hippo, and even a hippo-shaped bag. Papise Kanté, a 45-year-old sculptor, created two wooden hippo statues for the exhibition. He said it allowed him to tap into a more creative part of his work.
The exhibition has also given the artisans recognition for their work. Kanté said that participating in the Biennale has made him proud. “If you participate in the Biennale, you are proud,” he said. The curator of the exhibition, Kemi Bassène, said that he wanted to bridge the divide between arts and crafts. “This is the first time in the history that artisans, especially those who are custodians of traditional craftsmanship, are invited to the Biennale,” he said.
The theme of this year’s Biennale is “The Wake,” which refers to the emancipation of the African continent from its remaining dependence on former colonial powers. The event is taking place as Senegal is undergoing profound political change. The newly elected authorities are charting a more self-reliant and pan-African course.
The artisans from Soumbedioune have big plans for the future. They are planning a collaboration with a local school to manufacture backpacks for students. Their dream is to expand the production across the whole country so that Senegalese parents do not have to buy Chinese products. “We have all the know-how,” said Ndiouga Dia, the community leader. “We can produce more.”
The participation of the artisans in the Biennale is a significant step towards recognizing the importance of traditional craftsmanship in Senegalese culture. It is also a testament to the country’s rich cultural heritage and its potential for creative innovation. As Senegal continues to undergo political and economic changes, it is clear that the country’s artisans will play a vital role in shaping its future.
Editor : Josephine Mahachi
