Exhibitions

Samson Kambalu: Capsules, Mountains and Forts is still on view at Kate MacGarry Gallery in London, United Kingdom until October 15, 2016

Kambalu’s “Capsules, Mountains and Forts” is a multi-media installation exploring the problematic relationship between the restricted values of capital and those of resourcefulness and generosity. The exhibition includes Sanguinetti Breakout Area, a project which Kambalu first presented at the Venice Biennale in 2015. The installation was based on the papers of the Italian Situationist Gianfranco Sanguinetti, sold in controversial circumstances to Yale University in 2013. Kambalu presented the papers in a ‘détourned’ form: original photographs of the Situationists at play, letters (including 600 from one of the founders of Situationism, Guy Debord) and various ephemera were photographed playfully and transgressively by Kambalu at the Beinecke Library during his 2014 fellowship at Yale. In an ironic twist, Sanguinetti sued the Venice Biennale and Samson Kambalu for Sanguinetti Breakout Area but the former Situationist lost the case.

Ricardo Pinto Jorge: Heands Up is still on view at Erdmann Contemporary in Cape Town, South Africa until October 28, 2016

By placing an over-sized hand on the neck of his characters instead of their heads, Ricardo Pinto Jorge created the heands, a neologism adapted to the Heands Up project. Because the hand has such a powerful communicative capacity, Ricardo uses it to explore the relationship between our mind, thoughts, and our actions. Stencil paintings and videos question the hypocrisies and hesitations of our behavior and language. Original artist on the Mozambican art scene, Ricardo layers his work with visual and cultural references, meaningful idioms, as well as a dose of humor and sarcasm, allowing an interpretive polysemy. His art engages each of us in an inner dialogue, a reflection on the process engendering our behaviors and attitudes, eventually, a comprehension of our own subjectivity. The exhibition intends to put light on our habits and their never-ending process, but also to reflect on socio-political subjects such as women’s condition, political disinterest, and freedom of speech.

Art Fairs

1:54 Contemporary African Art Fair will open at Somerset House in London, United Kingdom from October 6-9, 2016

1:54 Contemporary African Art Fair will feature a programme of exhibitions and special projects for the fourth edition of the London fair. In collaboration with Magnin-A Gallery, the fair will present Malick Sidibé, the first major solo exhibition in the UK of the late Malian photographer. Sidibé is known for his black-and-white images chronicling the lives and culture of the Malian capital, Bamako, in the wake of the country’s independence. For the first time, 1:54 will also take over the Edmond J. Safra Fountain Court at Somerset House, with an installation by Zak Ové inspired by the heritage of Somerset House and an early Jacobean era court masque. Addis Foto Fest, the biannual photography festival directed by award winning photographer Aida Muluneh, will also present the special exhibition ‘PIE: Photography in Ethiopia’. Alexandra Karakashian will create a site-specific installation for the fair, rooted in a self-ongoing exploration of her family’s escape from the Armenian genocide, migrating through Africa. Revue Noire, the French publishing house dedicated to African art, has been invited to curate a selection of photography books for the 1:54 Bookshop. Bandjoun Station, a non-for-profit art centre created by artist Barthelemy Toguo in his hometown in Cameroon, will present Mobile Cafeteria. Finally, the fair will again be accompanied by Forum, the fair’s extensive talks and events program, curated by Koyo Kouoh, Artistic Director of RAW Material Company, Dakar.

FIAC – International Contemporary Art Fair will open at Grand Palais and other locations in Paris, France from October 20-23, 2016

This year, the France’s premier contemporary art fair will bring together 186 galleries from around the world, of which 42 will be first-time exhibitors at the fair. The fair is also launching a series of new features, including the section On Site, which features sculptural works installed inside the Petit Palais. In addition, the Grand Palais is opening a new exhibition room called Salon Jean Perrin, which will focus on the exhibition of works by late 20th century artists. Yet, one of the most exciting additions to this year’s edition has just been announced: the new performance festival Parades for FIAC, aimed at highlighting the role of music, dance, performance, and poetry in the role of contemporary art. The festival is produced in association with the Louvre Museum, which will offer various courtyard for contemporary dance performances throughout the week. Performances will also take place in both the Grand Palais and the Petit Palais, and other locations in the city.

Auctions

Africa Now – Contemporary Africa will open at Bonhams in London, United Kingdom on October 6, 2016

On October 6th 2016, Bonhams will host the auction ‘Africa Now’ with modern and contemporary art from Africa. Created by artists from a multitude of cultures, African contemporary art reflects the complex heritage of this dynamic continent and demonstrates tremendous potential for investment. Africa Now sales include the very best of post-war and contemporary art from across the African continent in various media including painting, sculpture, and drawing. Of particular interest are works by artists including El Anatsui, Ben Enwonwu, Yusuf Grillo, Yinka Shonibare, Romauld Hazoumé, Malangatana, Skunder Boghossian, Bruce Onobrakepeya, and Cheri Samba, among many others.

On October 4th 2016, sisters Cuppy and Temi Otedola are hosting a spectacular showcase of African Art, Music & Fashion at Bonhams. The event is being held in partnership with Aliko Dangote's Dangote Foundation.