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