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
August
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. Admission is free, registration is 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.
CURATOR'S TOUR
GEGENWART
18:30–19:30
Kuratorinnenführung in der Ausstellung «When We See Us. Hundert Jahre panafrikanische figurative Malerei»
In German. Mit der Kuratorin Maja Wismer. Kosten: Eintritt + CHF 5.
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.
WORKSHOP
STUDIO GEGENWART
11:00–17:00
Offenes Studio Gegenwart
We question our viewing habits! Through peepholes and self-made telescopes, we search the museum rooms and works of art for unusual patterns. Our sketches will be drawn and reproduced in the Studio Gegenwart to create a single work of art, a large tapestry of patterns. Open to all: families, friends, children, young people and adults are welcome. Free of charge without registration.
WORKSHOP
STUDIO GEGENWART
15:00–16:30
Dialogue Session: The Role of Art in Shaping Historical Narratives. With Marilyn Umurungi
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. Costs: CHF 5.
RENDEZ-VOUS AM MITTAG
GEGENWART
12:30–13:00
Rendez-vous am Mittag: «When We See Us»
In German. Mit der Kuratorin Maja Wismer. Kosten: Eintritt.
WORKSHOP
STUDIO GEGENWART
15:00–16:30
Dialogue Session: Storytelling Through Design. Mit Cherry-Ann Morgan
A practical workshop that invites audiences to tap into new narratives of design through culture and storytelling beyond dominant narratives. 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.
September
CONVERSATION
STUDIO GEGENWART
11:15–12:45
Sunday Artist Talk
With Sungi Mlengeya (Dar es Salaam), Meleko Mokgosi (Massachusetts), Joy Labinjo (London)
Artists of the exhibition consider the function and significance of painting and art in the Pan-African context as well as the artistic and social challenges with which they currently see themselves confronted. Costs: CHF 10/5 (+ Optional: Entry CHF 13).
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
18:00–21:00
Everyday Blackness
The Kunstmuseum Basel invites you to a joint evening with the OKRA Collective of Black multidisciplinary artists, with a performance of the new production “Everyday Blackness”. The performance will be framed by a discussion of the work. The video work by OKRA is a meditation on Black subjectivity consisting of poetry, dance, movement and music. Costs: CHF 10/5.
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
18:30–19:30
Guided tour of the exhibition «When We See Us. A Century of Black Figuration in Painting»
With the curator Daniel Kurjakovic. Costs: Admission + CHF 5.
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.
