Binta Diaw and Annalisa Cannito at the Mediterranean Biennale

The Mediterranean Biennale in San Marino features works by Binta Diaw and Annalisa Cannito. Diaw, an Italian-Senegalese visual artist born in 1995, presents 'Uati's Wisdom' at the Torre Guaita. The installation uses long black synthetic braids cascading from the ceiling to evoke a meditative sanctuary, referencing the West African water deity Mami Wata and critiquing colonial and missionary attempts to strip women of power. Cannito, a transdisciplinary artist and activist, exhibits 'Lifesaver' at the Teatro Titano. The work comprises a wooden chest with a gold concrete lifebuoy adorned with small EU flags, exploring the legacy of fascist and colonialist heritage, particularly Italy's colonization of Ethiopia. The chest symbolizes anti-colonialism, looted gold, anti-fascism, and Europe's responsibility toward migrants. Both artists interrogate themes of migration, identity, and the female body through an Afro-diasporic, feminist lens.