Simon Njami on African Contemporary Art's Decentering and New Generation Strategies
Simon Njami, the curator of AfricaRemix (2004–2007), asserts that African artists have progressed beyond merely addressing postcolonial identity issues, developing their own unique artistic expressions. He observes a transformation in the understanding of Africa and identity, with artists showcasing multifaceted identities that transcend geographical borders. Notable advancements are evident in the Lubumbashi and Kampala biennials, along with art hubs in Lagos, Cairo, and Cameroon. Njami underscores the importance of self-education and critical awareness in art, arguing that writing challenges Africa's passive representation. A new wave of curators is redefining cultural expression strategies. Large-scale exhibitions, like AfricaRemix in Johannesburg, instill pride. He cautions that non-Western nations should brace for market shifts, while art can catalyze political change, exemplified by Senegal's Y'enamarre movement. Njami prefers Aimé Césaire's universalism to 'internationalism.'
Key facts
- Simon Njami curated AfricaRemix from 2004 to 2007.
- AfricaRemix was presented in six international venues.
- Njami discusses the deconstruction of African identity in contemporary art.
- Artists are focusing on developing their own language rather than proving something to 'others'.
- Events like the Lubumbashi and Kampala biennials are reframing contemporaneity.
- Art centers in Lagos, Cairo, and Cameroon are part of new initiatives.
- Writing is key to developing critical knowledge and countering passive portrayals of Africa.
- Large exhibitions like biennials create a sense of pride and belonging, as seen in Johannesburg.
- Commercial growth in African art scenes is tied to education and hype, with changes in Angola and Nigeria.
- The Y'enamarre movement in Senegal, initiated by artists, successfully opposed a constitutional change.
- Njami references the Berlin Conference of 1884–85 in discussing artificial divisions in Africa.
- He cites Aimé Césaire's concept of universalism as the sum of all particularities.
- The interview was published in the November 2018 issue of ArtReview.
- Njami emphasizes that overcoming exclusion requires a mental shift from peripheral to central positioning.
- Young curators are creating tools like exhibition spaces and workshops to increase awareness on the continent.
- Non-Western countries need to be ready to benefit from future market redistribution with new players like China.
Entities
Artists
- Simon Njami
- Aimé Césaire
- Jacques Derrida
Institutions
- ArtReview
- Lubumbashi Biennial
- Kampala Biennial
- AfricaRemix
Locations
- Africa
- Johannesburg
- South Africa
- Lagos
- Nigeria
- Cairo
- Egypt
- Cameroon
- Angola
- Senegal
- Berlin
- Germany
- China
- India
- Middle East
- West