Gabon’s President Celebrates Cultural Exchange at Dakar Art Biennale
Dakar, Senegal – President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema of Gabon immersed himself in the vibrant world of African art during a visit to the 15th Dakar Arts Biennale on Monday. Accompanied by First Lady Zita Oligui Nguema, the president explored the "Awakening" themed exhibition, which showcased the work of 58 artists from Africa and its diaspora.
One highlight of the visit was the displays of Gabonese photographer Desirey Minkoh. Minkoh, a rising star whose work has garnered international acclaim, including a prestigious award in Luxembourg, captivated the presidential couple with his powerful images exploring the Bwiti, a traditional Gabonese initiation ritual. “"Emphasizing the practice of Bwiti, the Gabonese initiation ritual, these works promote Gabon’s cultural richness,"” said the Gabon News report.
Minkoh’s work exemplifies the current wave of African artists reclaiming and redefining their narratives on a global stage. The Biennale provided a platform for a diverse range of artistic expressions, encompassing photography, sound art, sculpture, and more.
During his visit, President Oligui Nguema took the opportunity to celebrate Pan-African collaboration by honoring Prosper Zo’o Minto’o, the newly appointed Director General of ASECNA, the Agency for Aerial Navigation Safety in Africa and Madagascar. Minto’o, succeeding Paul Malekou after 50 years, will lead ASECNA for a renewable four-year term.
The president’s visit to the Biennale underscored his commitment to fostering cultural exchange and revitalizing traditional Gabonese values. By showcasing Gabonese artists like Minkoh on an international stage, Oligui Nguema emphasizes the importance of preserving cultural heritage while engaging in global dialogue through the universal language of art.
