Dialogue Sessions
The dialogue series makes the diverse perspectives of the Black and African diaspora in Switzerland visible. Artworks and themes from the “When We See Us” exhibition are used to look beyond conventional notions of culture and identity. This series is curated by Keabetswe Boccomino (Afrinova).
Keabetswe Boccomino is a South African interculturalist, curator and founder of Basel-based contemporary African art platform, Afrinova.
Storytelling Through Design with Cherry-Ann Morgan
Sat, June 29, 2024 and Sat, August 31, 2024
3–4.30 p.m., Kunstmuseum Basel | Studio Gegenwart, in English
Hosted by Visual Designer and Artist Cherry Ann Morgan, this session is a practical workshop on storytelling and pluralistic futures within visual design. She will discuss cultural aspects of the exhibition design as well as design elements in some of the artworks in the exhibition. Participants will have the opportunity to create their own designs.
Cherry-Ann Morgan is a postcolonial, Pan-African hybrid ethnographic creator from the Caribbean twin islands of Trinidad and Tobago currently based in Zurich, Switzerland
Costs: 5 CHF
The Functional Art Within Community with Kwaku Dapaah Opoku
Saturday, July 27 and Sunday October 6, 2024
3–4.30 p.m., Kunstmuseum Basel | Studio Gegenwart, in English
Artist and designer Kwaku Opoku leads a conversation centered around the intersection of art and community. The session will closely examine instances where necessities sculpted African ancestral artistic practices, seamlessly integrating functionality and shaping what we now recognise as art.
Kwaku Dapaah Opoku has worked extensively in music, art and design. Over the past 14 years, Kwaku has struggled with a neurological condition that has forced him to explore his identity in his work. The dialog with himself formed his profound, exploratory way of thinking, which is expressed in various projects.
Costs: 5 CHF
The Role of Art in Shaping Historical Narratives with Marilyn Umurungi
Sunday, August 25, 2024 (in English) and September 28, 2024 (in German)
3–4.30 p.m., Kunstmuseum Basel | Gegenwart (25.8) / Studio Gegenwart (28.9.)
This session introduces an intersectional, Afro-feminist lens on BIPOC groups and movements that have become essential in creating visibility for communities of the diaspora. It explores how different community networks have come together to mobilise and advocate for marginalised groups across Switzerland.
Marilyn Umurungi is an art and cultural researcher, curator, member of Bla*sh. In her work she is mostly interested in African history and philosophy, with a critical Afro-feminist focus on literature, music, and the visual arts.
Costs: 5 CHF
July
CURATOR'S TOUR
GEGENWART
18:30–19:30
Kuratorinnenführung in der Ausstellung «When We See Us. Hundert Jahre panafrikanische figurative Malerei»
FULLY BOOKED
In German. Mit der Kuratorin Anita Haldemann. Kosten: Eintritt + CHF 5.
WORKSHOP
STUDIO GEGENWART
15:00–16:30
Dialogue Session: The Functional Art Within Community. With Kwaku Dapaah Opoku
A dialogue session on the functionality of African Art derived from shared community practices. The interdisciplinary dialogue series aims to foster conversations that connect museum audiences with the diverse spectrum of Black and African diasporic perspectives in Swiss society. This series is curated by Keabetswe Boccomino (Afrinova). Limited number of participants. Costs: CHF 5.
WORKSHOP
STUDIO GEGENWART
11:00–17:00
Offenes Studio Gegenwart: Der Sommer zeichnet Geschichte.
Life by the river Together we will think about everyday life on the Rhine: the people, animals, plants, stones and everything else we encounter. What stories do the river and its banks tell us? What is the relationship between nature and culture around the Rhine? We will give form to our findings, reflections and impressions through paintings, drawings and frottages - outdoors if the weather is fine. Open to all. Participation free of charge.
GUIDED TOUR
GEGENWART
15:00–16:00
Visite guidée de l'exposition « When We See Us. Un siècle de peinture figurative panafricaine ».
In French. Coût : entrée + CHF 5.
August
GUIDED TOUR
GEGENWART
15:00–16:00
Führung in der Ausstellung «When We See Us. Hundert Jahre panafrikanische figurative Malerei»
In German. Kosten: Eintritt + CHF 5.
GUIDED TOUR
GEGENWART
15:00–16:00
Guided tour of the exhibition «When We See Us. A Century of Black Figuration in Painting»
Costs: Admission + CHF 5.
STUDIO GEGENWART
15:00–17:00
A Light Lyricism. Reading Group and Literary Companion to «When We See Us»
With Sindi-Leigh McBride (researcher and writer) and guests
In six public reading group sessions, we work through a selection of texts by James Baldwin, Ken Bugul, Teju Cole, Akwaeke Emezi, Bernardine Evaristo, Andrea Lee, Maaza Men, Kwame McPherson, Johny Pitts, Koleka Putuma, Zadie Smith, and Brandon Taylor. All texts will be made available to participants in advance. Age: From 16 years. Participation free of charge, registration required via ticket link.
GUIDED TOUR
GEGENWART
15:00–16:00
Führung in der Ausstellung «When We See Us. Hundert Jahre panafrikanische figurative Malerei»
In German. Kosten: Eintritt + CHF 5.
CONVERSATION
STUDIO GEGENWART
12:30–14:30
Serving Questions
FULLY BOOKED!
Discursive menu and installation by the Hybrid Project Space collective and chef Olivier Bur. At this special lunch, questions will be served that encourage reflection on the exhibition, its themes and the institutional context. Chef Olivier Bur will complement the discussion with food. Hybrid Project Space together with co-hosts Ann Mbuti and Mona-Lisa Kole invite you to have a seat and share your thoughts. E Guete! Participation free of charge, Ticket via ticket link. Limited number of participants.
CONVERSATION
STUDIO GEGENWART
14:30–18:00
Serving Questions
Installation open at Studio Gegenwart. Hybrid Project Space is a collective of people from the fields of museum studies, curation, media production, art, architecture and graphic design. The collective engages in discussions with the public on how art and cultural spaces can become more inclusive and diverse. The afternoon session is introduced by a music performance by Tracy September. Participation free of charge, no registration required.
