Parisian Contemporary Art Fair Sheds Light on Africa's "Shock of Being Seen"

Paris’ AKAA festival (Also Known As Africa) is an inspiring art fair and cultural platform. It is devoted to showcasing contemporary art and design from Africa and breaking social barriers.
AKAA is the ultimate place to discover the wealth of contemporary artistic talent in Africa. There are no limits to the scope of creativity, with everything from sculpture, painting, and photography to installation and design stepping into the spotlight. There are surprising discoveries and inspiration at every turn.

The event aims to spotlight how Africans have decided to handle their own destiny, and the “shock” that plays out in response: “When you removed the gag that was keeping these black mouths shut, what were you hoping for? That they would sing your praises? Did you think that when they raised themselves up again, you would read adoration in the eyes of these heads that our fathers had forced to bend down to the very ground? Here are black men standing, looking at us, and I hope that you – like me – will feel the shock of being seen.”

This “shock of being seen” was already staged by Fernando Alvim, ten years ago at the Venice Biennale, and these artists reinterpret it through a contemporary prism. While there is scope for reinterpretation, there’s a fierce interest in shaking off the shackles of tradition by developing undiscovered talent.
In 2017, AKAA will bring together 150 artists from 28 different countries, with more than half of its 38 exhibiting galleries being completely new to the fair. There are five countries from the African continent (Angola, Ivory Coast, Senegal, Tunisia, and Uganda) being represented here for the first time, as well four from Europe (Switzerland, Belgium, Italy, and Spain).

“Our Africa is fluid, complex and permeable,” says Victoria Mann, founder and director of AKAA. “It influences and inspires the world by its capacity to innovate and create. Over four days we share the African energy, hear its hum and feel its vibration.”

Les Rencontres AKAA—a cultural forum based on exchange and reflection—will be providing the opportunity to hear directly from the creatives who are carving out the new face of Africa’s contemporary art scene. The theme of Les Rencontres AKAA 2017 will be “Healing the World,” and they’ll be inviting the public to speak to and meet the artists, curators, and experts in question.

The lower level of the Carreau du Temple will be also used by AKAA Underground, an “art laboratory” offering a host of exciting hands-on workshops, fascinating talks, and book signings.
Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!


Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.


KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?
Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.