In a triumphant return, the Lagos Biennial has unveiled its meticulously curated plans for the fourth edition, slated to captivate audiences from February 3 to 10, 2024, at the iconic Tafawa Balewa Square in Lagos. Building upon the success of its predecessors in 2017, 2019, and 2021, the Lagos Biennial is gearing up to deliver an immersive experience that goes beyond the traditional, embracing the profound theme of REFUGE.
Tafawa Balewa Square: A Historical Canvas of Transformation
Tafawa Balewa Square, an emblem of historical significance, will play a pivotal role in this extraordinary event. From its roots as a colonial-era racecourse to its post-Independence transformation into a hub for political, cultural, and commercial events, the venue stands as a testament to the evolving narrative of political allegiance, sovereignty, and notions of belonging.
The Theme: REFUGE – A Critical Exploration of Nationhood
The overarching theme of REFUGE takes center stage, delving into the intricate concept of the nation-state and offering a critical reflection on the rich history embedded in the venue. Challenging the conventions of typical exhibitions, the 2024 edition of the Biennial takes a bold step towards experimental and generative models, emphasizing prototypes that activate possibilities in the world. This dynamic approach aims to engage audiences in a profound exploration of refuge, alliance, and the multifaceted dimensions of the human experience.
Curated Sections: A Tapestry of Expressions
Curated sections, including Gregarious Architectures, CAPTCHA, and Worldmade Communities, promise a richly layered and immersive experience. These sections will be the canvas for over 80 artists from more than 30 countries, each contributing their unique perspectives and interpretations.
Participating Artists: A Global Tapestry
Artistic Directors Kathryn Weir and Folakunle Oshun have meticulously curated a diverse lineup, featuring esteemed names such as Maria Thereza Alves, Jimmie Durham, and Ibrahim Mahama, among others. The extensive program includes performances, talks, and discussions throughout the week, providing visitors with an intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant experience.
List of Participating Artists:
Noor Abed (Gregarious Architectures), Rabeeha Adnan (CAPTCHA), ALIENS IN ERITREA, Gzoly Vishnu Balunsat, Rezene Tsegai, Shushan Tesfuzigta, Nahom Abraham Wael, Sephora Woldu (curator), Maria Thereza Alves (Gregarious Architectures), Iván Argote (Gregarious Architectures), Leo Asemota (Gregarious Architectures), A THOUSAND TALES, Cindy Sissokho, Mónica de Miranda, XEXA, Deniz Bedir (Gregarious Architectures), Darlene Blackburn (Worldmade Communities), Stéphanie Brossard (Gregarious Architectures), Huey Copeland (Worldmade Communities), Romi Crawford & The New Art School Modality (Worldmade Communities), DATA CENTERED COLLECTIVE, Temitayo Ogunbiyi (curator), Lisa Ann Parks, Laila Shereen Sakr, Miha Vipotnik, Samuel R. Delany (Gregarious Architectures), Ezekiel Dixon-Román (Worldmade Communities), Navine G. Dossos (CAPTCHA), Jimmie Durham (Gregarious Architectures), Victor Ehikhamenor (Gregarious Architectures), Chinenye Emelogu (Gregarious Architectures), Nina Emge (Gregarious Architectures), Em’kal Eyongakpa (Gregarious Architectures), AIRI: BONE ALTAR, Olaniyi Studio, Yussef Agbo-Ola, Jermay Michael Gabriel & Justin Randolph Thompson (Worldmade Communities), Kendell Geers (Gregarious Architectures), HANGING IMAGINARIES, Feda Wardak, Chioke I’Anson (Worldmade Communities), Onyeka Igwe (Gregarious Architectures), Hiwa K (Gregarious Architectures), Sam Keogh (CAPTCHA), Kiluanji Kia Henda & Paulo Moreira (Gregarious Architectures), François Knoetze (CAPTCHA), Ibrahim Mahama (Gregarious Architectures), Bettina Malcomess (Gregarious Architectures), Native Maqari & Zineb Boujema (Gregarious Architectures), Demas Nwoko (Gregarious Architectures), Emeka Ogboh (Gregarious Architectures), Henrique Oliveira (Gregarious Architectures), Bruce Onobrakpaeya (Gregarious Architectures), Mimi Ọnụọha (CAPTCHA), Odun Orimolade (Gregarious Architectures), OUTSIDERS, Martinka Bobrikova, Oscar de Carmen, María Alejandra Gatti (curator), Anto Lloveras, Giulia Piscitelli (CAPTCHA), Arlette Quỳnh-Anh Trần (Gregarious Architectures), Tabita Rezaire (Gregarious Architectures), Yasmin Smith (Gregarious Architectures), Dima Srouji (Gregarious Architectures), THE ALBANIAN CONFERENCE, Anna Ehrenstein, Vidisha-Fadescha, Shaunak Mahbubani (curator), Blair Opara and Clinton Opara (DNA), Rebecca Pokua Korang, TRACES OF ECSTASY, KJ Abudu (curator), Evan Ifekoya, Nolan Oswald Dennis, Raymond Pinto, Temitayo Shonibare, Adeju Thompson, Sarah Rifky (Co-Curator of Worldmade Communities and CAPTCHA), Valentina Vetturi (CAPTCHA), Tricky Walsh (CAPTCHA), Dana Whabira (Gregarious Architectures), XTRÆNCESTRAL, Kukily Afrofeminist Arts Collective (curator), Julia Cohen Ribeiro, Florencia Victoria Gomes, Lina Lasso, Colleen Ndemeh Fitzgerald, Jasmin Sánchez.
A Week-Long Journey: The Lagos Biennial 2024 Experience
The Lagos Biennial 2024 Press Preview is set to kick off on Saturday, February 3, 2024, at 12 pm, followed by the official public opening at 2 pm. The event will be graced by key figures such as N’Goné Fall, Folakunle Oshun, and Kathryn Weir in an Official Welcome at 3 pm. The week-long event holds the promise to not only redefine the boundaries of contemporary art but also to inspire profound conversations on refuge, alliance, and the myriad facets of the human experience.
Throughout the week, attendees can immerse themselves in a diverse array of performances, talks, and discussions, offering a thought-provoking and culturally enriching experience. The program details, including the schedule of events and additional information on the participating artists, can be explored on the official Lagos Biennial website at https://lagos-biennial.org.
As the curtains rise on the Lagos Biennial 2024, the city becomes a hub of global artistic expression, inviting visitors to join in the exploration of refuge, alliance, and the dynamic narratives shaping our world. This convergence of creativity, critical discourse, and cultural exchange promises to leave an indelible mark on the contemporary art landscape.
