The Vibrant World of Art in Dakar
Today, we return to Africa, this time to Senegal, where art is the bloodline of its people.
Négritude Movement
French colonialism gave rise to the Négritude movement, an attempt to reject colonization and European ideas that trumped the importance of African values and culture. The movement was led by Léon Damas, Aimé Césaire, and Léopold Sédar Senghor. Senghor became Senegal’s first president in 1960. Additionally, he was a writer and poet. In the 1930s, Negritude arose from the vibrant and diverse roots of African culture and thrived throughout the 1950s. During this time period, the movement promoted the publication and celebration of not only Senegalese art and literature, but African culture in general. In other words, the Négritude movement highlighted the importance of Senegalese/African culture and celebrated the concept of “blackness.” Its impact was seen across the country and African continent– and even across Europe.
Death and the Conquistador 1959, Aubrey Williams
World Festival of Black Arts
In 1966, the first World Festival of Black Arts was held in Dakar, Senegal. The event was started by then-president Senghor, who saw it as a way to promote and emphasize the importance of cultural development of African nations post-colonialism. More than 2,000 artists, writers, and musicians came together for the event, including some American artists like Josephine Baker, Langston Hughes, and Duke Ellington. The festival consisted of dance and musical performances as well as literature and poetry, and visual performances.
An avid poet and writer himself, Senghor wrote many poems that reflected his feelings about “blackness.” Most importantly, his poetry allowed him to connect with hundreds of people, even across the African diaspora, who shared similar experiences of discrimination. Many of his poems reflect pride in his African heritage and identity.
Poem by Senghor
Et nous baignerons mon amie
Et nous baignerons, mon amie, dans une présence africaine.
Des meubles de Guinée et du Congo, graves et polis, sombres et sereins.
Des masques primordiaux et purs aux murs, distants mais si présents!
Des tabourets d’honneur pour les hôtes héréditaires, pour les Princes du Pays-Haut.
Des parfums fauves d’épaisses nattes de silence
Des coussins d’ombre et de loisirs, le bruit d’une source de paix.
Des paroles classiques; loin, des chants alternés comme les pagnes du Soudan.
Et puis, lampe amicale, ta bonté pour bercer l’obsession de cette présence.
Noir, blanc et rouge, oh! rouge comme le sol d’Afrique.
Translation
And we will bathe, my friend
And we will bathe, my friend, in the presence of Africa
Furnishings from Guinea and Congo, rugged and smooth, dark and serene
Masks, primordial and pure, on the walls, distant but so present!
Stools of honor for the hereditary guests, for the princes of the High Country.
Musky fragrances, rugs thick with silence
Shaded cushions for leisure, the sound of a spring of peace.
Classic songs far away, voices woven like the fabrics of Sudan
And then, dear lamp, your kindness to embrace the obsession with this presence.
Black, white, and red, Oh! red like the soil of Africa.
Where to See Art in Dakar
Le Village des Arts
Quite literally a village, the Village des Arts is located just north of Dakar. The village was borne out of an abandoned complex that today houses workshops. Walking down its cobbled streets, you can enjoy the sight of colorful graffitied walls, hand-dyed batik fluttering in the breeze, sculptures, and paintings.
La Biennale de l’art africain contemporain
The Biennale is an annual art event that takes place around the city. Dubbed ‘Dak’Art,’ the event started in 1989. Since then, it has alternated between exhibiting literature and art. Today, the Biennale focuses on presenting the visual arts along with contemporary African art. The event features artists from all around the continent and all around the world, making it one of Africa’s largest cultural events.
