In the series »Spot on…«, the ifa-galleries Berlin and Stuttgart present one of the most important cultural events of the African continent for the first time in Germany: the »7th African Encounters of Photography«, the world-wide known biennial of photography in Bamako, Mali.
The renowned African photographer and curator – Akinbode Akinbiyi, co-curator of the Rencontres 2007 – has made a photoselection for the ifa-galleries Berlin and Stuttgart. The chosen images give an impression of as well as an insight into the quality and variety of contemporary African photography. At the same time, they pick up the issue of urbanization in a transnational context.Title and central theme of the Rencontres 2007 was »In the City and Beyond«. The curator chose for the ifa-galleries Berlin and Stuttgart eleven African photographers who have dealt with urban and rural structures. What mechanisms contribute to the differentiation between city and countryside?
In what aspect do middle zones – especially slums in the periphery of the city – differ from villages? The artists analyse architectural and infrastructural differentiations, but particularly the interpersonal relationships and the various models of community, going today through a radical change because of African urbanisation.
The exhibition aims to offer to the German as well as the international audience an overview of the contemporary cultural scene in various African countries, in addition to allowing the interested public to establish contacts with the artists.
Curated by Akinbode Akinbiyi
Participating Artists: Nontsikelelo »Lolo« Veleko, Sammy Baloji, Berry Bickle, Jodi Bieber, Mohamed Camara, Saïdou Dicko, Mouna Karray, Amal Kenawy, Aida Muluneh, Soavina Ramaroson, Michael Tsegaye
