Gabonese President Explores Modern African Art at Dakar Biennale
Dakar, Senegal – In a show of support for African arts and culture, Gabonese Transitional President General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema and First Lady Zita Oligui Nguema visited the 15th edition of the Dakar Arts Biennale on Tuesday. The couple immersed themselves in a vibrant collection of contemporary works at the Grand Théâtre National Doudou Ndiaye Coumba Rose.
Their visit centered around the powerful photography of Gabonese artist Desirey Minkoh, a prominent figure in the world of advanced photography. Minkoh’s series, which explores the spiritual and cultural practice of Bwiti, a Gabonese initiation ritual, captivated the President and First Lady.
Minkoh, a recipient of numerous prestigious awards including the top prize in the Luxembourg Plastics Arts Competition in 2023, is considered one of the leading artists of his generation. His talent has earned him training at renowned international academies and positions in prominent organizations.
"awakening," the theme of this year’s Biennale, highlighted the diverse talents of 58 artists from Africa and the diaspora. The exhibition showcased a wide range of artistic mediums including sound art, sculpture, photography, and visual art, offering a captivating glimpse into the flourishing contemporary African art scene.
The Dakar Biennale, also known as the African Contemporary Art Biennale and Dak’Art, is a major event on the global art calendar. Since 1996, it has been dedicated to showcasing the work of contemporary African artists both living on the continent and in the diaspora.
The engagement of President Oligui Nguema and the First Lady in the Biennale underscores Gabon’s commitment to celebrating and promoting African art and culture on the world stage.
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The Biennale’s history dates back to 1989 when it was established by the Senegalese state. Initially focusing on literature, the event shifted its focus to contemporary art in 1992 and has since become a premier platform for showcasing the richness and vibrancy of African artistic expression.
