El Hadji Sy's First Polish Solo Show at Ujazdowski Castle

The Center for Contemporary Art Ujazdowski Castle in Warsaw presents 'At First I Thought I Was Dancing,' the first Polish solo exhibition of Senegalese artist, curator, and activist El Hadji Sy. Born in Dakar in 1954, Sy is a key figure in West African art, known for blending artistic practice with political engagement. His work consistently addresses post-colonialism, local African traditions, and Négritude values. Curated by Małgorzata Ludwisiak with external participation from Clémentine Deliss (who previously curated 'El Hadji Sy. Painting, Performance, Politics' at the Weltkulturen Museum in Frankfurt), the exhibition spans eight museum sectors. It revisits past and recent works, featuring extensive documentary material—objects, videos, photographs, and posters—that explore Sy's creative process, particularly his performances. Over one hundred paintings, ranging from figurative to abstract, are installed vertically on mobile frames, often precariously, allowing viewers to circumnavigate them. A corridor dedicated to about twenty works by young African painters selected by Sy functions as a show within the show, underscoring his political and social commitment. The exhibition runs until October 16, 2016.