In what way do African arts, now called "classical", remain present and active in contemporary creation? The Musée du Quai Branly seeks to answer this question with an exhibition entitled Ex Africa: African Presences in Contemporary Art, on view from May 19 to July 11, 2021.
Curated by critic and art historian Philippe Dagen, the exhibition aims to show"that the ideas and forms specific to these arts are more alive today than ever before", whereas some forty years earlier these "art forms" were reduced - on the occasion of another Primitivism exhibition, held at the Museum of Modern Art in New York - to"the role of plastic models for the Western avant-gardes of the first half of the 20th century". A veritable "reinterpretation" depriving these works of all their real substance, both historical and symbolic.
Installations, paintings, sculptures, photographs, drawings, videos... The aim is to examine"the relationship between contemporary art and ancient African art". In all, 34 contemporary artists offer their works and perspectives, includingAnnette Messager, Gloria Friedmann, Myriam Mihindou, Kader Attia, Pascale Marthine Tayou, Romuald Hazoumè, Théo Mercier andEmo de Medeiros.
As a preamble, the exhibition also confronts works by A.R. Penck, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Antoni Clavé and James Brown with those of Chéri Samba, with the aim of challenging"the very notion of 'primitivism' and its undertones". Shall we book an entry, folks?
Dates and Opening Time
From May 19, 2021 to July 11, 2021
Location
Musée du quai Branly Jacques Chirac
37 Quai Jacques Chirac
75007 Paris 7
Access
Metro line 9 "Iéna" station RER C "Pont de l'Alma" station
Prices
Tarif réduit: €9
Plein tarif: €12
Official website
www.quaibranly.fr
More information
Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10.30am to 7pm.
