ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Jelili Atiku Leads All-Female Procession at 2017 Venice Biennale

festival-fair · 2026-05-05

On May 12 at 4 PM, Nigerian performance artist Jelili Atiku (b. 1968) will showcase "Mama Say Make I Dey Go, She Dey My Back" as part of the 2017 Venice Biennale, curated by Christine Macel under the theme "Viva Arte Viva." This 30-minute performance will involve 72 women and will blend Yoruba divination, Hebrew attire, and Guinean masks to delve into themes of female energy and societal concerns. Atiku's work emphasizes social engagement and the promotion of human rights. Additionally, Ernesto Neto will present "Encounter with the Huni Kuin" at 3:30 PM on May 12, while Franz Erhard Walther's "Eight Stride Pedestal activation" is scheduled for May 10 at 10:30 AM, and Yee Sookyung's "Chasing the Sun's Orbit" will take place on May 11 at 6 PM. A video archive will be accessible on the Biennale website.

Key facts

  • Jelili Atiku performs 'Mama Say Make I Dey Go, She Dey My Back' on May 12, 2017, at 4 PM at the Venice Biennale.
  • The performance involves 72 women in a 30-minute procession from Giardino delle Vergini to Corderie.
  • Atiku's work addresses social engagement, human rights, and crimes against humanity.
  • Ernesto Neto collaborates with the Huni Kuin community in two performances on May 10 and 12.
  • Franz Erhard Walther activates 'Eight Stride Pedestal activation' on May 10.
  • Yee Sookyung reinterprets a Joseon dynasty dance in 'Chasing the Sun's Orbit' on May 11.
  • Naufus Ramírez-Figueroa performs 'SThird Lung' on May 9 as part of his installation.
  • The 2017 Venice Biennale is curated by Christine Macel under the theme 'Viva Arte Viva.'

Entities

Artists

  • Jelili Atiku
  • Ernesto Neto
  • Franz Erhard Walther
  • Yee Sookyung
  • Naufus Ramírez-Figueroa
  • Christine Macel

Institutions

  • Biennale di Venezia
  • AFiRIperFOMA Biennale
  • Artribune

Locations

  • Venice
  • Italy
  • Giardino delle Vergini
  • Corderie
  • Arsenale
  • Padiglione degli Sciamani
  • Giardini Biennale – Sant'Elena
  • Viale Garibaldi
  • Monumento a Giuseppe Garibaldi
  • Nigeria
  • Rio de Janeiro
  • Brazil
  • Fulda
  • Germany
  • Seoul
  • South Korea
  • Guatemala

Sources