Arriving in the Netherlands was shocking. Because I realized immediately, something I oddly enough had never experienced before: that I am African. It was the first time I ever sat foot outside of South Africa and I had always just thought of myself as that kid that loved to read and draw and listen to pop music. That was my identity. When I arrived in the Netherlands, none of that mattered. People focused on my Africaness solely.
His works grow out of guns to become much more than that. A presentation of his sculptures together with his drawings in one of the large rooms of, say, PS1 could clarify the broader view of the artist.
Using found material to make statements about the intimacy between sexuality, religion and race Adams’ oeuvre renews our interests in topical subjects in ways that beckon us to pay attention to subtly sustained institutionalized bigotries and discontinuities.
The Kampala Art Biennale is an effective way to put East Africa and its art scene on the international map. I am already looking forward to the third edition that will undoubtedly also have a bigger local impact. Like anyone in Kampala being bombarded daily by religious and materialistic messages, a confrontation with creative minds that make one question oneself and the society one lives in is very refreshing and valuable.
Rob Perrée stayed for one month in Paris to experience Paris after the terror attacks of last year, but most of all to meet with contemporary African artists, to visit their studios or shows. Here a report of his trip.