Exhibitions

Recent Histories: New Photography from Africa is still on view at The Walther Collection in Neu-Ulm, Germany until November 19, 2017

The Walther Collection presents the third exhibition in its multi-year series on contemporary photography and video art from Africa and the African Diaspora. Presented thematically and surveying a varied range of work, the series builds upon the collection’s longstanding focus on African photography, providing a platform for engaging current practices. Recent Histories features work by five emergent figures from a new generation of multidisciplinary, lens-based artists dedicated to exploring African narratives from a diversity of perspectives. Common to their disparate practices is the use and embellishment of documentary modes to portray the vicissitudes of modern life. Engaging an array of sociopolitical concerns—including migration, lineage, the legacies of colonialism and Calvinism, and local custom—the works in the exhibition are so finely attuned to the broader contexts in which they have been made that they might also serve as veritable, if fragmentary, records of our time.

Biennials

Performa 17 will take place at several locations throughout New York, United States from November 1-19, 2017

Performa 17 will present commissions and projects that examine immediate and critical concerns confronting our urban centers, the shifting political and cultural currents of our turbulent world today, and ultimately the role of the arts and of artists within our communities. Entitled 100 Degrees above Dada, this edition of the Biennial will focus on the sociopolitical context informing contemporary art today, and how best to engage audiences in significantly understanding and absorbing its aesthetics and intrinsic values. Each edition is curated along specialized areas of research in live performance across disciplines, as well as an historical anchor and a particular country or region, to address a range of critical contemporary issues, and foster cultural exchange and connection. This year, two programs – Afroglossia and South African Pavilion Without Walls, will explore a broad swathe of work by 15 artists living in or originating from five different African countries.

15th Istanbul Biennial is still open at various locations through Istanbul, Turkey until November 12, 2017

The 15th Istanbul Biennial entitled "a good neighbour" deals with multiple notions of home and neighborhoods. Shaped by 40 questions developed by the curators, this edition invites visitors to explore exhibitions installed in six venues within walking distance. The venues include four traditional biennial spaces – Istanbul Modern, Galata Greek Primary School, Pera Museum, and Küçük Mustafa Paşa Hammam – and two residential venues: ARK Kültür Center in the Cihangir district and Yoğunluk Atelier in the Asmalımescit district. The 15th Istanbul Biennial brings together artworks by 56 artists from 32 countries, all addressing different notions of home, belonging and neighborhood. Istanbul Modern displays a number of multinational artistic positions in an open plan architecture, featuring large-scale sculptures, installations, and the other artworks. As a long-standing partner of the Istanbul Biennial, Istanbul Modern symbolises the continuity, experience and expertise of the exhibition.

Art Fairs

Art X Lagos 2017 will open at The Civic Centre in Lagos, Nigeria from November 3-5, 2017

Through its contribution to the increased visibility of African artists, ART X Lagos aims to reinforce the visual arts as an important component of the creative industry in Nigeria and Africa, and to position Lagos as an emergent cultural capital on the continent. Building in the success of the debut edition, which welcomed 5,000 visitors to see the works of 65 artists, the second Art X Lagos Art Fair will feature a boutique selection of galleries from Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, Senegal, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, and the United Kingdom. In addition, this edition of ART X Lagos will deliver a broad, dynamic program of exhibitions and talks as well as curated and interactive projects. ART X Lagos will open with a special Collectors’ Preview at 2pm on Friday 3rd November, followed by a VIP Preview at 6pm on the same day.

Paris Photo 2017 will open at Grand Palais in Paris, France from November 9-12, 2017

The annual event for collectors, professionals, artists, and enthusiasts, Paris Photo offers its visitors the most qualitative and diverse selection of artworks alongside an ambitious public programme with leading figures in the field. Over 180 galleries and publishers will present a complete panorama of the history of photography: from vintage and modern works to contemporary creations, rare and limited editions, and book releases preview. The PRISMES sector, launched in 2015 in the prestigious Salon d'Honneur, will feature a curated presentation of large format, series, and video and/or installation works. Paris Photo is the occasion for visitors to expand their knowledge of the medium thanks to exhibitions, awards, signature sessions, special events, and talks and discussions with artists, curators, critics, and historians.