15th edition of Biennale of contemporary African art opens in Dakar

The 15th edition of the Biennale of Contemporary African Art (Dak’art) has officially opened in Dakar, Senegal, marking another significant moment in the celebration of African creativity. The event, which kicked off on November 7, has become one of the continent’s most important platforms for contemporary artists, showcasing a wide range of artistic expressions from painting and sculpture to digital arts and performance.

This year’s opening ceremony was a vibrant mix of music, dance, and storytelling, a reflection of the rich cultural heritage that the Biennale both celebrates and challenges. The event was also marked by a special awards ceremony in which French artist Agnès Brezephin, hailing from the Caribbean island of Martinique, received the prestigious Leopold Sédar Senghor Prize. Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye presented Brezephin with the award for her thought-provoking work Fil(s) de soi (e), which has captivated audiences with its deep exploration of identity and heritage.

For many artists, like Mali’s Awa Meïte, participating in the Dak’art Biennale is both an honor and an essential opportunity to engage with a global audience. Meïte, a renowned textile designer, expressed the significance of the event, saying, “Being here is very important because the Dakar Biennale is one of the most important art events in the world. It provides a space for exchange and visibility for African art in general, especially in challenging economic contexts.”

The theme for this year’s Biennale is “Xàll wi,” a phrase in the Wolof language meaning “the wake.” This theme invites African artists to reflect on their cultural heritage while remaining open to reinvention amidst the global transformations of today’s world. The wake represents not only a remembrance of the past but also a call to action for African societies to reclaim their traditions and adapt them for the future.

As one of the largest and most diverse art exhibitions on the continent, the Dak’art Biennale offers a unique journey through the vibrant and varied landscapes of contemporary African art. Visitors to the exhibition can expect to experience everything from stunning illustrations and photography to groundbreaking virtual reality art and immersive sound installations. The event’s curatorial vision offers a nuanced exploration of African identity, history, and creativity.

The Biennale’s central exhibition spaces also include a special tribute to historical figures who have shaped the African continent’s past. Prominent leaders like Thomas Sankara, Léopold Sédar Senghor, and Amílcar Cabral are honored through powerful images that underscore their lasting influence. Gabriel Cabral, a visitor to the exhibition, commented on the impact of these works, saying, “When we see Sankara, Senghor, and Cabral, it helps us develop our minds, especially for the youth. It’s a reminder of how far we’ve come and the work that still lies ahead.”

In addition to the main exhibition, the 15th Dak’art Biennale has drawn 3,000 artists from across Africa and the globe. Of these, 58 have been selected to participate in the “In” section, which is the main competitive segment of the event. The diverse selection of artists highlights the growing importance of African contemporary art in global cultural conversations.

This year’s Dak’art is also marked by the participation of two special guest countries: Cape Verde and the United States. The inclusion of Cape Verde, an archipelago with a rich cultural history, and the United States, a nation with strong ties to African art through the African American community, underscores the international dimension of the event.

The Biennale’s expansive scope, both geographically and thematically, reflects the dynamic energy and creativity coursing through African art scenes. The event not only fosters a space for showcasing artistic talent but also serves as a platform for cultural dialogue and collaboration across borders. For both established and emerging artists, Dak’art offers an opportunity to engage with a diverse audience and push the boundaries of contemporary art.

The 15th edition of the Dak’art Biennale will run until December 7, continuing to attract visitors, critics, and art lovers from around the world. Through its celebration of Africa’s past, present, and future, Dak’art remains a vital force in the global art world, providing both a stage for artistic expression and a space for critical reflection on the continent’s evolving identity in the 21st century.