Benin 2024
The first-ever Benin Pavilion at the Venice Biennale features the site-specific work of four contemporary Beninese artists.
Title: Everything Precious is Fragile
Commissioner: José Pliya
Curator: Azu Nwagbogu
Artists: Chloe Quenum, Moufoli Bello, Ishola Akpo, Romuald Hazoumè
The first-ever Benin Pavilion at the Venice Biennale addresses issues of decolonization, restitution, and repatriation, particularly in the context of Nigeria’s efforts to reclaim the Benin Bronzes.
Dating back to the 13th century, these royal sculptures are scattered across Western institutions, like the Glasgow Museums and the Smithsonian, initiating repatriation. The pavilion highlights the connection between contemporary Beninese artists and precolonial heritage, drawing on the Gèlèdé philosophy to explore current ecological, political, and social issues. The pavilion provides a platform for cultural dialogue on the complexities of heritage and the ongoing discourse on repatriation and decolonization.
OPENING TIMES:
Apr 20 – Sept 25 Tue – Sun, 11am – 7pm
Sept 27 – Nov 24 Tue – Sun, 10am – 6pm
ADDRESS
Arsenale, Arsenale, Castello, 30122, Venice, Italy
