In a world marked by struggles and the challenges of integration, six artists, namely B. Renekouzou, Exocé Kasongo, Melody Howse, Thomias Radin, Selassie, and Elihu Ashong, embark on a journey to be seen and perceived. Bound by a shared history and ancestry that form an integral part of their identity, these artists hold onto a common desire for recognition and understanding.
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Through a captivating blend of music, dance, and visual art, these artists channel their energy into individual artworks and a collaborative performance, weaving together their collective heritage. Selassie recognizes the power of visual art and music as cultural agents that bridge the gap between personal and collective memory, transcending mere aesthetic criteria.
Presented at the esteemed ARTCO Gallery in Berlin until June 10th, this exhibition serves as an interdisciplinary showcase of "contemporary ancestry." It offers viewers an opportunity to witness the unfolding of a transformative experience. The exhibition is built upon the curatorial concept by Beverly Renekouzou, whose recent work series, "Honorer le sacrifice," initiated in 2022, pays homage to the generations of individuals who migrated to Europe from the African continent, contributing to its economic prosperity.
Figure 1. Exhibition View at ARTCO Gallery, Berlin.
Renekouzou's large-scale paintings not only celebrate the lives of these individuals but also shed light on their experiences. Through her art, she opens a gateway to ancestral knowledge and spiritual awakenings, delving into the resonance of old speeches and the profound truths they hold.
Melody Howse presents a video work that captures Renekouzou and Exocé Kasongo engaging in a spontaneous dance performance on the streets of Berlin. The rhythm of their movements amplifies their facial expressions, emphasizing a moment of political refusal and joy, where all forms of racism are unequivocally rejected.
Figure 2. Thomas Radin, La Danse (Dyptich), 2023. Courtesy of ARTCO Gallery
Thomias Radin's background as a dancer shines through in his elusive brush strokes and performative gestures. His holistic creative process merges painting and dance, allowing him to move and feel with intuitive freedom of expression. As his figures dance across the canvas, they seemingly vanish beneath vast areas of color, transcending into another realm or time.
Selassie, a German-Ghanaian artist, employs oil paint in a way that evokes the spirits of his past. Drawing inspiration from the Ewe people of Ghana, symbols, icons, and stickmen play a significant role in his work. The simple act of applying paint serves as a conduit to his ancestral spirits, establishing a connection to a universal wisdom that has been lost in our modern cultural circles.
Figure 3. Selassiee, Flower Boy, 2022. Courtesy of ARTCO Gallery.
Elihu Ashong, also hailing from Ghana, brings his background in photography and floral set design to his art. Similarly, Exocé Kasongo, known for his versatility across disciplines, showcases his talent as a dancer, video producer, and visual artist. Kasongo's bold and expressive style incorporates photography, contemporary accessories, and natural elements onto paper, enabling him to rewrite history and demand cultural, artistic, and spiritual restitution. Despite its progressive language, his work exudes a return to the primordial confidence and values of his ancestors.
As viewers engage with this diverse collection of art, they are reminded that in time, everything will make sense. Through the artistic expressions of these six individuals, a story of loss, discovery, and collective identity unfolds—a tale that resonates with the shared struggles and hopes of humanity.
Cover image: Beverly D. Renekouzou. Lost and Found (Tryptich), 2022. Courtesy of ARTCO Gallery.
Written by Martina Tonello
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