Art world descends on Senegal for the Dak'art biennale

Artists from across the world are meeting at the Dar’Art biennale in Dakar to exchange ideas on latest developments in visual arts.

The event creates an opportunity to among others unearth new talents in the visual arts world.

With artists from different countries converging in Senegal, African artists will have the opportunity to showcase their creativity to the world.

“We have come to support the event because it is a major pan-African event. It is also a privilege for us to come and see our our own creations,” Igo Lassana Diarra, founder of Galerie Medina of Bamako said.

For many years, artists from other continents have dominated the visual arts space.

The Dak’Art festival therefore creates an opportunity for the forging of new partnerships between African creators and those from other continents.

Dakar Biennale so far…..pure African Excellence. #Senegal #Diasporadical pic.twitter.com/9r9Vl0GWd4

— Blitz the Ambassador (@BlitzAmbassador) May 5, 2016

“There is a huge awareness about African arts now. You can see that the international community is huge in this place. I just met someone from the international museum in New York. If it wasn’t interesting they won’t be coming,” Nigerian artist Victor Ehikhamenor said.

Observers have been quick to point out that for twelve years now the event has succeeded in being a showcase of art from the continent.

“African art is really alive. It is still very close to its roots. Africa is now seeking to polish its identity. Many things are coming up. So people have reasons to come because the art is strong and original,” an art lover, Charles Adriaenssen told AFP.

The Senegalese government and local artists conceived the event with the hope of increasing opportunities for artists.

AFP