The 2024 Dakar Biennale of Contemporary African Art, known as Dak’Art, opened with a vivid display of colour and creativity in Senegal’s capital, contrasting with the somber themes tackled by a group of guest artists from the United States. This year, the works of seven African-American artists took center stage, delving into the historical and ongoing impacts of slavery.
Traditional West African attire, such as the flowing boubous, mingled with black suits and ties at the biennale’s opening ceremony. Established in 1989 by the Senegalese government, Dak’Art has evolved into a prestigious event showcasing Africa’s dynamic art scene. The 2024 edition, themed “The Wake,” features 58 artists from 33 countries, exploring concepts such as exhumation, mourning, and uprooting, with the aim of connecting the past and future, according to Salimata Diop, the biennale’s artistic director.
The United States was chosen as the guest of honour this year, highlighting the transatlantic connections and shared histories between African and African-American communities. The artwork of the American guests examined cultural beliefs about the afterlife, including those of the Lebou people, an ethnic group in Senegal. The Lebou hold that spirits reside in the ocean after death, a belief that resonated with the exhibition’s exploration of ancestral memories.
Among the exhibits was an innovative portrayal of an entire alphabet based on the unique patterns found in African hair, as well as an immersive installation that aimed to replicate the harrowing experience of enslaved individuals thrown into the sea. Curator Diana Baird N’Diaye, who splits her time between the U.S. and Senegal, reflected on the show’s deeper message: “We are here because our ancestors survived slavery in America, Jim Crow, and now we face another pivotal moment.”
This year’s event comes amid shifting alliances in West Africa, where several nations are distancing themselves from traditional Western partners in favour of new collaborations with countries like Russia and China. Despite political instability in the region, Senegal has maintained its status as a stable democracy. However, Senegal’s ruling party, currently facing an election, has indicated plans to reassess its relationships with Western nations.
Khady Diène Gaye, Senegal’s minister of youth, sports, and culture, emphasized the importance of the U.S. presence at Dak’Art, describing it as “a powerful symbol of art’s role in fostering dialogue, promoting peace, and contributing to economic and social development.”
Originally set for May, Dak’Art was postponed due to political tensions and funding delays. The biennale will now run until December 7, offering visitors a chance to engage with the powerful themes and diverse perspectives showcased in this year’s edition.
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