The Shapes of the Ocean,’ one of the curated sections of ARCOlisboa 2024, presents 31 PROJECT, Christophe Person, and Nil Gallery, all from France, and Lis10 Gallery operating from France and Italy, on display until May 26th.
31 PROJECT presents Léonard Pongo, Georgina Maxim and Mariama Conteh.
Mariama Conteh, a French artist based in Paris, uses her personal and communal narratives to create captivating artworks. Her work explores the human body, its facets, and its identity. Conteh is also a performer, exploring drag and diasporic practices. She has exhibited her work at prestigious venues and is part of the Transplantation collective.
Georgina Maxim, a Zimbabwean artist and curator, co-founded Village Unhu in Harare in 2012. Her artistic practice focuses on textiles, using embroidery, sewing, and weaving to transform second-hand clothes into unique artworks. Maxim has exhibited her work internationally and has been nominated for the Henrike Grohs Award.
Léonard Pongo, born in 1988 in Belgium, is a visual artist and photographer based in Kinshasa, Congo. He uses photography to reclaim his Congolese heritage, capturing everyday urban life through projects like “Uncanny.” Pongo’s work showcases the country’s diverse landscapes and mystical essence.
Christophe Person brings Paul Ndema, a Ugandan artist, to present original pieces in a conceptual and abstract style, symbolizing a resurgence of African painting. Enriched by the narratives of his homeland, his work authentically reflects African experiences, offering a fresh and compelling perspective on African painting.
Nil Gallery presents works by Girma Berta, Caleb Kwarteng Prah, Isaac Ato Jackson, and Slimen Elkamel, showcasing their unique visual stories and contemporary art approaches. Berta’s “Motion” collection captures the spirit of African urban centers, while Prah’s work connects past and present, connecting local and global contexts. Jackson’s visual poetry explores the boundaries between abstraction and realism, particularly in social media contexts. Elkamel’s work celebrates Tunisia’s cultural legacy, blending folklore and pastoral visuals.
Lis10 Gallery displays Laetitia KY’s works of art. Laetitia KY is an Ivorian artist and activist who uses her passion for art and fashion to create intricate hair sculptures on her braids. Inspired by African culture, she uses these sculptures to convey messages about self-love, gender equality, and acceptance. She has gained popularity through her viral photo series and has collaborated with Elite Model World. In 2023, Forbes included her on their list of the 30 most influential people under 30 in Africa.
Sources: 31 PROJECT, Christophe Person, Nil Gallery, Lis10 Gallery
