Almost 2 years ago I presented to you "Rendez-vous" https://www.maedany.com/blog/rendez-vous on the AKAA "Also Known As Africa" contemporary African art fair 2016 edition.
I propose a focus on the 2nd edition of this event on contemporary art and design around Africa which was held in November 2017 at the same place at the Carreau du Temple in Paris. A cultural program through meetings, screenings and conferences where the public could dialogue with speakers from different sessions. Which allowed an exchange around the actors of the art world. AKAA brought together several exhibitors including 38 galleries from 19 countries with always new products. This fair showcases Africa that works, art lovers and collectors who through their know-how make us discover their imagination.
Before continuing, I share with you a subject that has certainly happened to you and if so, comment...
Meeting between Joana Choumali and me
Present at this event, Joana is a talented photographer and lives in Ivory Coast (see photos https://www.maedany.com/blog/rendez-vous… ) For the record, I started following her on social networks under the recommendations of a photographer and friend (RIP...) who had the honor of meeting her during the 5th biennial of images of the world "Photoquai" in 2015. I immediately appreciated and admired her work. I was proud for an African woman. She offered to move away discreetly to allow me to interview her in peace. Suddenly, the interview changed: overwhelmed by emotion, I could barely ask a question.
Dany : What advice do you have for those who want to get into photography?
Joana : Be yourself, because the images should reflect your personality. She was standing there, sitting next to me, I was lost for words. We started talking about the mysterious disappearance of this lover of Africa, this photography enthusiast that we had in common. There are things that cannot be explained and yet, I felt guilty for not having done my job. Did we need to talk about it? I never knew how to interpret it... Thanks to Joana for giving me her time Respect
Tribute to Ousmane SOW
Disappeared in 2016, this Senegalese sculptor was interested in the ethnic groups of Africa and America represented by the man. He is the first black artist to enter the Academy of Fine Arts. With the support of Eiffage Senegal, AKAA made it possible to present an unpublished work "Le Nouba qui se maquille" as well as two films and photographs made by Béatrice Soulé on the occasion of a round table on the artist. The "Maison Ousmane Sow" was inaugurated in May 2018 during the biennial in Dakar, in order to host his works in the presence of his most faithful friend Gérard Senac, president of Eiffage Senegal.
Artist Jean François Boclé
According to the artist, the banana remains today the icon of an elsewhere. A fruit that tells us impossible and yet necessary. Messages written as you can see in these images would almost make you fantasize about a scarred, wounded body. Marked by capitalism, the massacre of a banana plantation, exoticism rhymes with worry.
The Maison Château Rouge brand was also present with objects made in Africa. Founded three years ago by two Senegalese brothers, it is located in the district of the same name to show great designers that there can be good things in this district of the 18th arrondissement of Paris… It all started with the association "Oiseaux migrateurs" with the idea of promoting African culture that employs local people. Today, a victim of its success, it has developed by collaborating with supermarkets such as Monoprix and Le Bon Marché and has exported to 10 countries such as the United States, China and Australia.
Not forgetting the favorite of this year 2017, the young photographer from Australia David Uzochukwu who, at only 17 years old, conquered the public and me of course (see selfie on my Instagram account https://www.instagram.com/p/BbR70Vdl-Kd/?taken-by=maedanyblog… )
My thanks to the press agency Heymann Renoult associés and AKAA Once again, see you for the 3rd edition on November 9-11, 2018 at Carreau du Temple 75003 Paris Are you ready?
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