The 'Africa Remix: Contemporary Art of a Continent' exhibition showcases the work of 87 artists from Africa and the diaspora, including a notable focus on fourteen South African artists. Curated by Simon Njami, the exhibition is divided into three thematic sections: Identity & History, Body & Soul, and City & Land. These themes delve into contrasts between urban and rural experiences, the dynamics of tradition versus modernity, and the complexities of individual and community relationships, including aspects of religion and sexuality. Initially unveiled in 2004, the exhibition journeyed through Paris, Tokyo, and Stockholm before arriving in South Africa, highlighting the ongoing postcolonial challenges in South African art, such as cultural identity struggles and colonial legacies.
This exhibition aims to present contemporary African art that moves away from classical precedents and styles, critiquing the notion of progress and perfection inherent in Western definitions of modernity. It emphasizes the transient nature of societies in flux, challenging the dichotomy between past and present. My critique focuses on the representation of South African artists within the exhibition, particularly in the Identity & History section, where the inclusion of only one black artist raises questions about representation and history.
Simon Njami described the exhibition as an 'ethnographic exhibition,' while Johannesburg Art Gallery curator Clive Kellner highlighted its role in redefining Africa's cultural map and addressing the historical Western dominance in defining African art. This exhibition serves as a testament to Africa's evolving visual culture and its complex relationship with tradition and modernity.
The exhibition has been praised for its bold exploration of African creativity, offering multiple narratives on African identity and bridging tradition with modernity. However, critiques regarding the proportion of white South African artists and the inclusion of artists not residing in Africa highlight the complexity of defining 'African' art. Africa Remix represents a vision of a diverse and culturally rich Africa, although the infrequency of such exhibitions raises questions about their lasting impact on African and specifically South African cultural discourse.