Manifesta 12 in Palermo Explores Borders and Coexistence Through Garden Metaphor

From June 6 to November 4, 2018, Palermo hosted the 12th edition of Manifesta, the European biennial, under the theme 'The Planetary Garden. Cultivating Coexistence.' The curators employed the concept of a garden as both an exhibition framework and a metaphor for the city’s diverse society. The event showcased three main strands across various locations, including Palazzo Butera and the Botanical Gardens. Featured works in the 'Out of Control Room' included Laura Poitras and Tania Bruguera’s examination of a US military base in Sicily, Trevor Paglen's biometric portraits, and John Gerrard's digital representations of migrant fatalities. Kader Attia tackled issues of cultural appropriation, while Toyin Ojih Odutola and Lungiswa Gqunta investigated themes of colonial violence and cross-cultural exchange. OMA focused on urban dynamics, highlighting local adaptation and human connections.