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 | 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: Entry + 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 | 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: Entry + 5 CHF
The Role of Art in Shaping Historical Narratives with Mit Marilyn Umurungi
Sunday, August 25, 2024 (in English) and September 28, 2024 (in German)
3–4.30 p.m., Kunstmuseum Basel | Gegenwart
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: Entry + 5 CHF
May
GEGENWART
18:00–20:00
Children's vernissage: "When We See Us"
In cooperation with the Friends of the Kunstmuseum Basel. Yesterday today was still tomorrow. The exhibition "When We See Us" is full of pictures that show people in their everyday lives. How do you spend your time when you're not at the museum? What is your favorite day of the year and what makes it so special? What stresses you out and when can you really relax? What bores you and what do you enjoy? Togetherwe get creative and discover the magic of everyday life. Age: 4–12 years. Free participation without registration.
Treffpunkt: Studio Gegenwart
VERNISSAGE
GEGENWART
18:30–20:00
Opening: «When We See Us»
We warmly invite you to the vernissage of "When We See Us. A Century of Black Figuration in Painting". Discover a multifaceted special exhibition at the Kunstmuseum Basel | Gegenwart, where we present Black figurative painting from Africa and the African diaspora since the 1920s. The event will begin with welcoming remarks by the Director of the Kunstmuseum Basel, Elena Filipovic, the Government Council of the Canton of Basel-Stadt and the Executive Director & Chief Curator Koyo Kouoh and will end with a shared aperitif. Free participation without registration.
Treffpunkt: Kunstmuseum Basel | Gegenwart St. Alban-Rheinweg 60
CURATOR'S TOUR
GEGENWART
15:00–16:00
Curator's tour «When We See Us»
With the curators Maja Wismer and Tandazani Dhlakama. Cost: admission + CHF 5.
15:00–21:00
Eröffnungstag «When We See Us»
Lancierung des Studio Gegenwart
Eröffnen Sie mit uns die Ausstellung «When We See Us» und das neue Studio Gegenwart! Erleben Sie das OKRA Collective mit seiner Installtion «Everyday Blackness» sowie weitere Programmpunkte und Interviews. Live-Übertragung von Radio X. Die Veranstaltungen sind kostenlos, die Platzanzahl begrenzt.
CONVERSATION
11:15–12:45
Sunday Artist Talk
Artist Esiri Erheriene-Essi (Amsterdam) and Kambui Olujimi (New York) in conversation with curator Tandazani Dhlakama
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
FÜHRUNG
GEGENWART
15:00–16:00
Visite guidée de l'exposition « When We See Us. Un siècle de peinture figurative panafricaine ».
CANCELLED
In French. Coût : entrée + CHF 5.
