Project: „Shadows and lights. Africa" by Magda Hueckel and Tomasz Śliwiński (Muzungu-art)
Teatr Nowy, Puławska 37, Warsaw
Exhibition open 13.11.2010, 6-10pm

Selected works from the project can be found at Muzungu-art website:
http://www.muzungu-art.com/en/photography/africa-shadows-lights
http://www.muzungu-art.com/en/photography/africa-portraits

Artists: Baloji, Vitshois Mwilambwe Bondo, Steven Cohen, Mamadou Diouf, Dinozord & Petna Katondolo, Baudouin Mouanda, Ingrid Mwangi, Alain Polo, Berni Searle, Magda Hueckel i Tomasz Śliwiński (Muzungu-art)
Curators: Joanna Nuckowska, Ula Sickle
Cooperation: Magda Hueckel i Tomasz Śliwiński

As part of this event we will present our new cycle “Lights and shadows. Africa”. It is a cycle of subjective photographs that originated from our fascination with the African continent—a magical and sensual place full of light, colors, musical vibrations and intense aromas, but also suffering, poverty, and inequalities. These photographs are a personal record of numerous trips to Africa, a catalog of fleeting moments and mysterious atmospheres. They are an attempt to capture the marvel of the continent—with all its complexity and diversity. As Ryszard Kapuscinski wrote, “There are many Africas ...” The cycle takes the form of a slide show, presented in time with a specially chosen soundtrack. Separate selections of photographs are accompanied by compositions from various parts of the continent or inspired by African music. The photographs were taken between 2005-2010 in Algeria, Ethiopia, Kenya, The Democratic Republic of Congo, Lesotho, Mali, South Africa, Rwanda, Swaziland, Tanzania and Uganda.

Project Born in Africa presents the works of several contemporary African artists working performatively - be it in the domain of performance art or the performing arts (contemporary dance and music). This small selection of works does not attempt to provide an overview, but rather proposes an intimate encounter with 7 artists, who use the body as a central means of expression. The works, mainly performances for video, short films or photographic documentations, each in their own way ask what it means to be ‘born in Africa’, posing questions regarding identity and cultural authenticity in an increasingly globalized world.