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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
World
Saeed Kamali Dehghan

‘Embrace the unexpected’: African art boosts its presence at Venice Biennale

Seen from above, Hibiscus Rising, a 9.5m-tall sculpture by international artist Yinka Shonibare
A shot from above of Hibiscus Rising, a 9.5m-tall sculpture by British-Nigerian artist Yinka Shonibare, on display in Leeds, as part of the year of culture in the city this year. Photograph: Danny Lawson/PA

Few countries in Africa have been leading the charge in the contemporary art scene like Nigeria. In 2024, as Africa aims to buck the decades-long trend of under-representation at the Venice Biennale, all eyes will be on the west African country for its ambitious second-ever national pavilion, along with first-time participants Benin and Morocco, whose presence has been hailed as “a milestone for the continent”.

Aindrea Emelife, art curator
Aindrea Emelife, curator of the Nigerian pavilion at the Venice Biennale 2024 Photograph: Courtesy of Aindrea Emelife
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