ART X TALKS 2021
ART X Talks in 2021 was curated by Aude Christel Mgba and themed ‘The Restful Ones Are Not Yet Born’, featuring speakers such as Dr Bonaventure Soh Bejeng Ndikung, Prince Yemisi Shyllon, and Osinachi.
Beyond Collecting: Building An Ecosystem
There has been a steady rise of collectors for whom it isn’t merely about building personal collections, but also about participating in a broader enterprise: the creation of a collective legacy. By establishing ambitious new art institutions and events, they propose new ways and models of engaging with contemporary art, successfully fostering interest among non-traditional audiences, thereby making art a more collective experience.
Panelists: Kavita Chellaram, Hakeem Adedeji, Prince Yemisi Shyllon and Marwan Zakhem
Moderator: Tokini Peterside
The Danger of a Single Story
In this talk moderated by Ayọ̀ Akínwándé, Nengi Omuku and Buhlebezwe Siwani explored the importance of questioning, rethinking and spreading ideas and stereotypes that exist about Africa. The artists also shared how they contribute to the deconstruction of a single narrative that helps in shaping more diverse identities on the continent through their artworks.
Panelists: Nengi Omuku, Buhlebezwe Siwani
Moderator: Ayọ̀ Akínwándé
THE POWER OF THE ARCHIVE AND ITS LIMITS
In this talk, award-winning artist Kelani Abass, and museum director, curator and critic Bonaventure Soh Bejeng Ndikung engaged with archives, their potential, and their importance in the making of the future of the African continent. The conversation took from the artist Kelani Abass’s solo exhibition at the fair, Unfolding Layers of Time, where he proposed family archival materials as a means for history making.
Panelists: Kelani Abass, Bonaventure Soh Bejeng Ndikung
Moderator: Emmanuel Iduma
ART X LAGOS AND THE SMITHSONIAN NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AFRICAN ART PRESENT "TASTE! TRANSFORMATION"
[INVITATION-ONLY EVENT AT ALARA OR WATCH LIVE ONLINE]SUNDAY 7 NOVEMBER. 2PM WAT
Join visionary leaders transforming the institutions and structures that present African talent locally and internationally. From film to fine arts, these leaders are offering compelling new models of who gets presented -and by whom. Moderated by Tokini Peterside, this robust conversation will consider how to overcome media divides, build partnerships, and strategize for the future.
Panelists: Ngaire Blankenberg, Azu Nwagbogu, Chioma Onyenwe
Moderator: Tokini Peterside
THE FUTURE IS NOW
In this talk, David Alabo and Adéọlá Ọlágúnjú reflected on the meaning of the future of Africa, through their contributions to the Future Africa special project at the fair. This talk was moderated by Bukola Oyebode.
Panelists: David Alabo and Adéọlá Ọlágúnjú
Moderator: Bukola Oyebode
ART X NFTS: SPECULATIVE FUTURES
More often than not when speaking about NFTs, the conversation tends to be shaped from an economical perspective. With historic sales records registered in the space, and a global trading volume that rose to an astonishing $10.7 billion during the 3rd quarter of 2021, this comes as no surprise. The NFT space is highly speculative, and incredibly fast paced, making it an object of fascination, and a difficult one to predict. Amidst such frenzy, it becomes necessary to stop and remember what was initially driving the conversation.
This discussion aimed at demystifying NFTs, and reframing the debate around meaning, intention and the creative drive that lies at the core of this revolution. It explored NFTs as a vehicle for experimentation and empowerment, presenting unparalleled opportunities for individual and collective growth, and creating avenues for creative ecosystems to thrive, including Africa’s. As creators, collectors, curators, what do we want from this revolution?
Panelists: Osinachi, Linda Dounia, Ade Adekola
Moderator: Maurice Chapot