The 15th edition of Dak’art, Africa’s premier contemporary art exhibition, opened on Thursday, November 7. The event featured a vibrant mix of music, dance, and storytelling, setting the stage for a memorable evening.
A key highlight of the night was the awards ceremony, where French artist Agnès Brezephin from Martinique received the prestigious Leopold Sedar Senghor prize from Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye for her artwork “Fil(s) de soi (e).”
The Dakar Biennale continues to serve as an essential platform for artists, such as Awa Meïte from Mali. “As an artist, being here is very important because the Dakar Biennale is one of the most important in the world,” said the textile designer. “It’s a space for exchange and meeting, and it also gives visibility to African art in general. I think it’s a huge challenge in a difficult economic context, but it’s already a successful bet.”
The theme for this year’s event, “Xàll wi” in Wolof, meaning “the wake,” invites Africans to reclaim their cultural heritage and embrace reinvention in response to global changes.
The Dakar Biennale shines a spotlight on Africa’s rich creative energy, celebrating diverse art forms such as illustration, virtual reality, sound art, sculpture, and photography. The event not only showcases contemporary creations but also honours Africa’s historical figures. “These photos speak volumes. When we see Sankara, Léopold Sédar Senghor, and Amílcar Cabral, it helps us develop our minds, especially for the youth,” said visitor Gabriel Cabral.
The 15th edition of the Dakar Biennale will run until December 7, with 3,000 artists participating. Of these, 58 have been selected for the “In” section. This year, Cape Verde and the United States are the guest countries of honor.