WHAT IS PRÊTE-MOI TON RÊVE / LEND ME YOUR DREAM?

This is the title of a major exhibition featuring 28 top African artists. Organised by the Foundation pour le Development de la Culture Contemporain Africaine, it will travel to 6 African countries this year.

These artists are all internationally recognised, and regularly exhibit across the world. They have decided now to reunite in their home continent to spread a powerful message of creativity, unity and self-sufficiency.

The featured artists include: Abdoulaye Konaté, Chéri Samba, William Kentridge, Jems Robert Koko Bi, El Anatsui and Jane Alexander.

WHY IS IT SO IMPORTANT?

This exhibition presents African art on its own terms and is designed by and for African audiences.

One of the artists, Egyptian painter Adel El Siwi, says “It is an unprecedented event, in that it is fully organised and curated by Africans and does not focus on the African diaspora as a central theme.”

As well as celebrating the diverse talent of the continent, the exhibition hopes to encourage new artists, art visitors and art collectors. The more people get involved with such projects, the more opportunities will become available to see and create art.

This is a great demonstration of pan-African collaboration, and suggests a brilliant future for African contemporary art.

WHEN AND WHERE CAN I SEE IT?

Now:

Musée des Civilisations Noires, Dakar, Senegal

Now – 28th of January 2020

Next:

Musée D’abobo, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire

11 March – 19 April 2020

Dates to be confirmed:

Lagos, Nigeria; Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Cape Town, South Africa; Marrakech, Morocco.

Photo Credit: Artskop

Related topic: Why we should protect art