Rabat – At the top of a hill the Bab Al Bahr gate looks out over the Port de Tangier Ville and ferry crossing. This courtyard holds a great viewpoint from which the shores of Spain can be clearly seen across the water, but the Kasbah Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art.
The city of Tangier has had links with Western artists for many years, from Delacroix and Matisse to Francis Bacon. However, the incredible works currently on display at the Museum of Contemporary Art are exclusively from African artists.
The exhibition is called “Lights of Africa,” where African artists were given the concept of “The enlightened Africa” to interpret in their own way. The results are a varied range of works with different textures, colors and compositions. Each artist has taken the concept of light in a very different way, showing both the influence of the artistic practices of their home country, and their own personal interpretation of the concept title in their work.
There is a huge variation of interpretations and mediums used on show, and a documentary is available to watch in the upper gallery that gives more information and context behind the pieces.
Below are some stand out pieces that show the variation of interpretation on show:
[Gonçalo Mabunda is an artist and anti-war activist from Mozambique whose work here references the conflicts of the country’s history. They frequently use shell casing and metal from military equipment in their artwork.]
[Angolan Franck Lundangi’s work has a dreamlike quality, but can also have a political angle to it.]
Senegal’s Soly Cissé presents a piece called The Future. This work presents a human-centered vision of the future, with vibrant colours and details.
This work by Mauritania’s Amy Sow takes the concept towards questions about the future of the climate.
This work by Cape Verde’s Tchalé Figueria shares a title with Soly Cisse’s piece, but shows a more personal view of the future of humanity.
The array of different interpretations and media types in this exposition is truly impressive. Amongst the standout pieces it is noticeable how many of the artists chose to focus on climate change in their interpretations. The light in question is linked to electricity, digital connection, and not only the issues surrounding the power source, but the effect it has on society. From over reliance to loss of tradition, a broad spectrum is covered here. As a body of work, it is fascinating to see the difference in materials used and how this changes from artist to artist. Although most are painted canvases, some include metalwork and sculpture, as well as mixed media canvas including plastic, rope, and wool.
So why not add a visit to the contemporary art museum in Tangier to your must-see list? Next door you’ll find the Kasbah Museum and the tomb of Medieval Moroccan explorer Ibn Battuta only just a few minutes walk away. “Light of Africa” gives an opportunity to traverse the continent’s contemporary artistic talent – it is an exhibition not to be missed.
