The 6th edition of the Lubumbashi Biennale, entitled Future Genealogies, Tales From The Equatorial Line, probes the possibilities of repurposing the cartography of the world. One of the seven African countries crossed by the equator, the Congo claims the longest segment of the parallel on the continent. This places the region not only at the heart of Africa but also at the bisecting line of the globe, at the zone of intersection between southern and northern hemispheres. By asserting this position, the Biennale repeals the modern fantasy of the Congo as “irrelevant locale on the periphery of cultural history” to reclaim its profound entanglement with the world and its globally central position, both past, and present. The concept of the Biennale is to take the equator’s imaginary line, not as one of demarcation—the majestic Congo River disregards it by straddling it twice—but rather of imbrication. At its closest a place where earth gravity alleviates and where the poles’ magnetic attractions balance each other, the equatorial latitude opens the possibility for narratives that respond to alternate compasses, recognizes new centers of gravity and where de-polarized stories can unfold. At the same time, a region where the sun rises and sets quicker than anywhere else, the swift transition from night to day reminds us that the possibility for renewal and change is always on the horizon. The Biennale wishes to explore the geographical paradox of being set in a region where history continues to be steeped in the depth of the soil’s resources, but whose unique position also has the potential to serve as a model to uproot established perspectives.

Artists:
Daddy Tshikaya, Emeka Oghbo, Justice Kasongo Dibwe, Kemang Wa Lehulere, Lebohang Kganye, Ruangrupa, Trésor Malaya, Edmond Musasa Leu N’seya, Maarten Vanden Eynde, Marjolijn Dijkman, Portia Zvavahera, Guy Woueté, Hadassa Ngamba, Nelson Makengo, Vincent Meessen, Sinzo Aanza, Sammy Baloji, Jean Katambayi Mukendi, Grace Ndiritu, Gosette Lubondo, Do Nsoseme Dora, Délio Jasse, Coletivo Cadjigue (Filipa César, Milena Iocha, Geraldo Pina), Pélagie Gbaguidi, Georges Senga, Pamela Tulizo, Dorine Mokha, Younes Baba Ali, Wendy Morris, Uriel Orlow, Sarah Mukadi Kadima, Pathy Tshindele, Onejoon Che, Mega Mingiedi, Leonard Pongo, Jihan El-Tahri, Ibrahim Mahama, Alain Nsenga, Athar Jaber.

https://biennaledelubumbashi.org