The Heartbeat of African Contemporary Art

Dak'Art, the Biennale of Contemporary African Art, is a seminal event on the global arts calendar, held in Dakar, Senegal. Since its official dedication to contemporary African art in 1996 (following earlier iterations starting in 1990), Dak'Art has established itself as the continent's most significant large-scale international exhibition platform for artists from Africa and its diaspora.

Initiated by the State of Senegal, the biennale serves as a crucial space for the production, exhibition, and critical discussion of contemporary artistic practices. It aims to foster creativity, promote African artists internationally, and stimulate a dynamic cultural dialogue between Africa and the rest of the world. Dak'Art transforms Dakar into a vibrant hub, with official exhibitions complemented by a sprawling "Off" program that involves hundreds of independent initiatives across the city.

Each edition of Dak'Art explores specific themes relevant to contemporary African realities and global concerns, offering a rich tapestry of artistic expressions across various media. It has become an indispensable meeting point for artists, curators, collectors, researchers, and art enthusiasts, contributing significantly to the visibility and understanding of African art today.

A Pioneering Journey

The Dak'Art Biennale has a rich history, evolving from an event encompassing literature and visual arts to one sharply focused on contemporary African visual art. This evolution reflects Senegal's long-standing commitment to cultural leadership on the continent, dating back to the era of President Léopold Sédar Senghor and the First World Festival of Negro Arts in 1966.

The first biennale, known as the "Biennale des Lettres et des Arts," was held in 1990. In 1992, the event focused on visual arts for the first time. However, it was the 1996 edition that marked a pivotal moment, officially dedicating Dak'Art to contemporary African art, a focus it has maintained and deepened since.

Over the decades, Dak'Art has navigated various challenges while consistently growing in scale and international recognition. It has launched the careers of many African artists, providing them with a crucial platform for visibility and engagement with global art networks. The biennale has also become a key site for curatorial innovation and critical discourse on African art history and contemporary practice.

Dialogues and Narratives

Dak'Art distinguishes itself through thematic exhibitions that invite artists to respond to pressing contemporary issues, often reflecting on African identities, histories, and futures. Each edition is typically guided by a central concept developed by the appointed Artistic Director or curatorial team.

Recent Themes Example:

"The Wake" (2024) - This edition explored themes of societal transformation, memory, and resilience, inviting reflection on current global shifts from African perspectives.

"Ĩ Ndaffa / Forger / Out of the Fire" (2022) - This theme emphasized processes of creation, transformation, and the idea of forging new realities and identities in a post-pandemic world.

Key Focus Areas:

Throughout its history, Dak'Art has consistently engaged with several recurring areas:

• Identity and Diaspora: Exploring multifaceted African identities and the experiences of the diaspora.
• Urbanism and Environment: Reflecting on the rapidly changing urban landscapes of Africa and ecological concerns.
• History and Memory: Engaging with colonial legacies, pre-colonial histories, and contemporary memory-making.
• Innovation and Tradition: Showcasing how artists blend traditional forms and knowledge with contemporary techniques and concepts.
• Social and Political Commentary: Providing a platform for artistic voices addressing social justice, governance, and human rights.

This thematic depth, combined with a pan-African and international scope, allows Dak'Art to foster critical conversations and showcase the dynamism of contemporary art from the continent and its global connections.

Dakar as a Canvas

Dak'Art transforms the city of Dakar into a sprawling exhibition space. While official exhibitions are centered in key institutional venues, the biennale's spirit truly permeates the city through its extensive "Off" program, activating galleries, cultural centers, public spaces, and unconventional locations.

Key Official Venues Often Include:

Ancien Palais de Justice

A historic colonial-era building often serving as a central hub for the main international exhibition, offering a dramatic backdrop for contemporary works.

Musée Théodore Monod d'Art Africain (IFAN)

One of the oldest art museums in West Africa, hosting significant exhibitions that often bridge historical and contemporary African art.

Galerie Nationale d'Art

A key institution for Senegalese art, frequently participating with exhibitions showcasing national and international artists.

Public Spaces & "Off" Venues

Numerous galleries, cultural centers, artist studios, and even private homes open their doors, forming the vibrant "Off" exhibitions throughout Dakar.

The "Off" Exhibitions

The "Off" program is an integral and dynamic component of Dak'Art. It represents a decentralized, grassroots flourishing of artistic activities that run parallel to the official selections. This city-wide constellation of shows provides opportunities for a wider range of artists and curators to participate, making art accessible in diverse settings and contributing to Dakar's unique festive atmosphere during the biennale.

Landmark Editions & Presentations

Dak'Art has hosted numerous influential exhibitions and thematic editions that have significantly contributed to the discourse on contemporary African art and its global reception.

"L'heure Rouge / The Red Hour" (2018)

Curated by Simon Njami, this edition explored themes of emergency, transformation, and the urgent need for new narratives in a changing world.

"Produire le Commun / Producing the Common" (2014)

This edition focused on notions of shared resources, collective action, and artistic engagement with public space and societal concerns.

"Ĩ Ndaffa / Forger / Out of the Fire" (2022)

Emphasized artistic creation as a transformative process, particularly relevant in a world reshaping itself post-global challenges.

Focus on Emerging Artists

Many editions prominently feature spaces for emerging talents, fostering new generations of artists from the continent and diaspora.

These examples showcase Dak'Art's commitment to curatorial rigor and its role in addressing critical contemporary issues through the lens of African artistic practices. The biennale often highlights interdisciplinary works, including painting, sculpture, photography, video, installation, and performance art.

Guiding Visions

The curatorial direction of Dak'Art is typically entrusted to an Artistic Director (or a General Secretary with curatorial oversight), often a prominent figure from the African art world or its diaspora. This individual or team shapes the conceptual framework of each edition, selects participating artists for the main international exhibition, and oversees the overall artistic vision.

Key Aspects of the Curatorial Model:

• Pan-African and Diasporic Focus: A commitment to showcasing artists from all regions of Africa and its global diaspora.
• Guest Curators: Sometimes, specific sections or pavilions are developed by guest curators, bringing diverse perspectives.
• Thematic Cohesion: Each edition usually revolves around a central theme that artists are invited to respond to.
• Jury and Selection Process: For the international exhibition, there is often a formal call for applications and a selection process by an international jury.

Notable Past Artistic Directors/Curators (Examples):

The leadership of Dak'Art changes, bringing fresh perspectives to each edition. Figures who have played key roles in shaping editions include (this list is illustrative and not exhaustive):

Simon Njami

A highly influential curator who has directed multiple editions of Dak'Art, known for his critical and engaging thematic approaches.

El Hadji Malick Ndiaye

Artistic Director for the 2022 edition ("Ĩ Ndaffa"), bringing expertise in art history and museum curation in Senegal.

Salimata Diop

Artistic Director for the 2024 edition ("The Wake"), with a focus on contemporary artistic practices and cultural production.

Diverse Voices

Dak'Art consistently involves a range of curators, advisors, and jury members from across Africa and internationally, enriching its vision.

The curatorial approach aims to present a dynamic and challenging overview of contemporary African art, fostering critical engagement and highlighting the continent's vibrant artistic contributions to the global art scene.