“Everything Precious Is Fragile”: Benin takes its first steps at the Venice Biennale

For the first time in its history, Benin will be present at the 60th International Exhibition of the Venice Biennale, from April 20 to November 24, 2024, with an exhibition entitled "Everything Precious Is Fragile". This historic moment marks a significant milestone for the country, revealing to the world Benin's cultural and artistic importance through an exhibition of unprecedented depth.

An exploration of Benin's rich history and culture

"Everything Precious Is Fragile" immerses visitors in Benin's rich and complex history, exploring fundamental themes such as the slave trade, the figure of the Amazons, and Vodun spirituality. The exhibition also sheds light on the contemporary world of Benin, notably through the Gèlèdé philosophy and the concept of "rematriation", a feminist approach that translates the idea of restitution of knowledge.

Under the direction of curator Azu Nwagbogu, accompanied by curator Yassine Lassissi and scenographer Franck Houndégla, four renowned artists have been selected to represent Benin: Chloé Quenum, Moufouli Bello, Ishola Akpo and Romuald Hazoumè. These artists bring a unique perspective to African and Beninese feminism, contributing to a powerful and contemporary narrative of the country's cultural identity.

A commitment to the creative economy and cultural rehabilitation

José Pliya, General Delegate of the Benin Pavilion at the Biennale, underlines that "Benin will then be, to use Léopold Sédar Senghor's formula, at the great 'rendez-vous of giving and receiving'". This participation illustrates the Beninese government's strategy to make Benin an international platform for cultural and artistic industries.

For Babalola Jean-Michel H. Abimbola, Minister of Tourism, Culture and the Arts, this initiative is part of a global plan to develop the creative economy. It reflects Benin's commitment to actively promote its art scene, notably through the restitution of 26 royal treasures looted during the colonial conquest of the Danxomè kingdom by France in 2021. The exhibition "Art du Bénin d'hier et d'aujourd'hui: de la Restitution à la Révélation", which took place in Cotonou and continues its worldwide tour, has set the stage for this landmark presence at the Venice Biennale.

Benin's participation in the Venice Biennale is orchestrated by the Agence de Développement des Arts et de la Culture (ADAC), in collaboration with the Ministère du Tourisme, de la Culture et des Arts (MTCA).

Photo credit: Benin Arts and Culture Development Agency