The vibrant city of Dakar, Senegal, is set to host one of the most prestigious contemporary art events in Africa - the Dakar Biennale. This year's exhibition, titled "Forging the Future," promises to be a groundbreaking exploration of digital art, with a particular focus on Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs). Organized by the 1mA Collective, in collaboration with the African Museum of the Metaverse, NFT Dakar, and NFT Oasis, this innovative showcase will bring together over 50 artists from across Africa.
The Dakar Biennale aims to create an artistic journey that transcends traditional boundaries by merging history, technology, and culture. Six galleries, each housing a distinct exhibition, will serve as the backdrop for this immersive experience in the Metaverse. These galleries, co-located within the virtual realm, will provide visitors with an opportunity to engage with the artworks in virtual reality (VR) formats, and the on-site activation will utilize augmented reality (AR), blurring the lines between the physical and digital worlds.
The exhibition's theme, "Forging the Future," encapsulates the idea of drawing inspiration from the past to shape a liberated future. By exploring symbolic locations in Dakar, such as the Lighthouse of the Mamelles, Goree Island, Centennial Place, African Memory Square, Independence Place, and the Virtual University of Senegal, artists will weave a narrative that reimagines African history and identity.
NFTs, a revolutionary form of digital art, will be at the heart of this groundbreaking event. These unique tokens, based on blockchain technology, allow artists to tokenize and sell their digital creations, ensuring authenticity, ownership, and traceability. The use of NFTs in the Dakar Biennale represents a departure from traditional art practices, embracing the potential of technology to redefine artistic expression.
Throughout the exhibition, eight to ten artists will be highlighted each day, showcasing their AR artworks accessible through a mobile app or VR headsets. This inclusive approach enables both local and global audiences to engage with the artwork in real-time, fostering a sense of connection and community. In the evenings, visitors can embark on an Artwalk within the Metaverse, exploring the virtual galleries and interacting with artists and curators in a shared digital space.
The reach of the Dakar Biennale extends beyond the physical event, with a glossy video exhibition capturing the essence of the showcase. This captivating video will be broadcasted on the exhibition's website all summer long, ensuring a continuous stream of engaging content for visitors to experience in the Metaverse. This digital extension of the Biennale not only promotes the event but also opens the door to a summer filled with captivating stories and an evergreen layer of content that invites people to explore further.
The roster of artists participating in the exhibition is truly impressive, featuring 55 talented individuals from Africa and beyond. Each artist brings their unique perspective and creative vision, contributing to the dynamic tapestry of the Dakar Biennale.
The artworks showcased during the event will extend beyond the exhibition's duration. From June to September 2022, the 55 selected pieces will be on display at NFT Oasis.
The Dakar Biennale represents a turning point in the African art scene, embracing the digital era and exploring new frontiers of artistic expression. By incorporating NFTs into the exhibition, the organizers not only elevate the artists' works but also contribute to the ongoing dialogue about the transformative power of technology in the art world. "Forging the Future" invites visitors to step into a world where history, culture, and technology converge, offering a glimpse into an art movement that is shaping the narrative of contemporary Africa.
As the Dakar Biennale prepares to unfold, the anticipation builds, and art enthusiasts from around the globe eagerly await the immersive experience that awaits them in the Metaverse. This summer-long exhibition promises to be an unforgettable journey through digital art, forging new paths and opening doors to an exciting future for artists and audiences alike.
For more information on the artists visit: https://www.1ma.io/dakar-biennale-2022/ To enter the exhibition head to: www.nftoasis.co