Bajan artists soak up transcultural project in Dakar

Despite the disappointment of their pieces not arriving in time, a group of Barbadian artists are immersing themselves in the Dakar Biennale, one of the most prestigious artistic gatherings on the African continent.

Barbados is participating for the first time, and it is the only Caribbean nation represented in the unique transcultural project in the Senegalese capital.

The delegation, led by Chief Cultural Officer at the National Cultural Foundation (NCF) Andre Wells, has been interacting with their peers from across the world, and though their works are not physically at the location for now, images of them are on display.

“Ten of the 11 artists whose work is being presented are here on the ground very much engaged with the many opportunities that the festival is offering,” Wells said.

She confirmed that the local artists faced some initial disappointment when the pieces they shipped did not make the festival in time.

“The work has been delayed in transshipment in spite of our best efforts,” the NCF official said. “However, we are making sure that each day is spent with the artists being exposed to a wide range of activities. They are linking up with major internationally regarded artists of Africa and African descent. They are engaging meaningfully with the history and the connection between Barbados and the continent of Africa.”

On Monday, they undertook a collaborative painting exercise with artists from Nigeria and Senegal. The group also visited the island of Goree on Wednesday, with the expectation that these cultural and historical experiences will shape not only their understanding of their role in the diaspora but also their future relationship with Africa and its artists.

Dakar Biennale attracts some 280 000 visitors from around the world, including art critics, collectors, gallery owners, managers, enthusiasts and artists.