Contested Terrains at Tate Modern

The exhibition Contested Terrains features four artists; Kader Attia,Sammy Baloji, Michael MacGarry and Adolphus Opara. Four artists all working in present day Africa.

Their work engages with ideas of history and identity, that in Africa,have long been shaped by the claims and disputes of conflicting ideological and economic interests.

Sammy Baloji uses photography to explore the histories, present day realities and contradictions inherent in the formation of his homeland, the Democratic Republic of Congo.In his photomontages , he superimposes archival images of European officials and Congolese labourers (who built the mine's once imposing industrial sites ) onto contemporary photographs that highlight their current state of decline and ruin The remnants and realities of industrialisation and global trade.

These artists reveal that history is more than a straightforward succession of events and that the present remains contested terrain.

Elise Godsell

Contested Terrains
Tate Modern
London.
Until 16 October 2011

Not to be missed.

Manifesto: a means of expression

La Biennale di Venezia ; Illuminations

Since the establishment of the Biennale in Venice, at the end of theeighteenth century,as far as the 54 nations of Africa are concerned,Egypt is the only country to have maintained a national pavilion.Unfortunately, Africa and African artists have been unrepresented. As a result, it has been easy to dismiss the continent ,which is forever seemingly reaching out to receive food and money . Africa appears unconnected to the tide of the contemporary art world, but this is set to change.

The theme of this years Venice Biennale; Illuminations, sparks debate to sharpen our tools of perception and for all nations to question their geography and space that they occupy now and in the future "Seeing Ourselves" presented at the Zimbabwe Pavilion, presents a window into the life of that nation, through the eyes of four selected artists.

Zimbabwe's image has shifted away from being the beautiful and desirable house of stone - a nationally significant material, on which its reputation and very soul had been proudly built. Instead it's perception has undergone a radical shift and the country is seen as not so desirable and not so beautiful.

Misheck Masamvu an emerging young painter, is willing to move beyond the immediately commercial ,as seen in his Gentleman's Hustle.2011. He remarked 'I wish to produce a body of work pregnant of optimism and hope. I wish to stimulate positive energy and bring to attention the need to create new emblems and motifs that encourages dialogue. I desire to find alternative solutions to the sometimes dire circumstances we come across '.

Visit Venice and see for yourself !

Elise Godsell

Illuminazioni
La Biennale di Venezia
Until 27 November 2011

Manifesto:a means of expression

Manifesto presents Simo Lagnawi

We are pleased to announce that our first night after 1 year was one of the best nights to date. There was an amazing vibe within the authentic African setting.

We are pleased to announce we are starting a new journey in a new place in Soho. Gerrard House will be the new ‘home’ of Manifesto, in a more warm, relaxed and familiar environment.

The band invited to perform and which is now part of Manifesto’s portfolio, is Simo Lagnawi. Simo is a charismatic dancer and player of the Guembri - a lute-like stringed instrument made from camel skin - while his mesmeric voice harks back to the original use of Gnawa in rousing people into a 'cleansing' trance. In the short three years the boundary-pushing Gnawa master Simo has been in the U.K he has already played in different venues including Leighton House and most recently Glastonbury Festival keeping an exceptional African tradition alive.

This will be a culturally rich night out that should appeal to anyone looking to experience one of the most intimist forms of music in the world. Joining them will be resident DJ’s spinning music from a variety of African genres. Alberto Tavares opens the evening with his mellow eclectic mix on the decks. Later in the evening Manifesto has invited the renowned producer and DJ Simbad. Constantly travelling between London, Tokyo or New York via Puerto Rico & other places , he has worked with some great artists including Tony Allen & Bugz In The Attic or Talvin Singh to name a few…Dj Simbad will hit the turntables with his inimitable, sassy, and sexy spin on dance African style.

Moreover, there will be a specially designed African inspired menu created exclusively for the Manifesto Acoustic evening. The menu consists of traditional Chicken stew from Angola (Xinxin) and Masamba from Mozambique.

Manifesto Acoustic is a concept whereby live music, afro-beats, DJ sessions and traditional food intertwine. Manifesto team look forward to seeing you.

30 July 2011

9 – 2am Gerrard House

40 Gerrard Street,

Soho, W1D 5QE

Tube: Leicester Square or Piccadilly

Admission: £5

Manifesto: a means of expression.