The audiovisual installation ABJ by Emeka Ogboh will be showcased during the 2024 CAN at the SOMETHING venue in Abidjan. SOMETHING, founded by Anna-Alix KOFFI in 2021, provides a physical platform for publications like SOMETHING WE AFRICANS GOT, PROFILES, and Women’s Paper. This non-profit art centre, dedicated to video art, digital art, and critical discourse, is located in the Blockhauss district of Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
Ogboh’s exhibition ABJ, running from January 9 to March 17, 2024, is hosted by SOMETHING art space in collaboration with the Goethe-Institut Abidjan and is supported by ETC ONLYVIEW, Clémence Farrell Agency, the Ministry of Culture and Francophonie of Côte d’Ivoire, and the French Institute Abidjan.
Ogboh’s aim with this project is to unveil the cultural tapestry and the daily rhythms of life in Abidjan through the lens of migration. By focusing on the vibrant city markets, where people from all corners of Côte d’Ivoire and West Africa converge, Ogboh delves into the migratory patterns that shape urban life. The sights and sounds captured within these markets offer a mesmerizing glimpse into urban vibrancy and cultural diversity.
Born in Lagos in 1977 and based in Berlin for the past decade, Emeka Ogboh is globally recognised for his artistic installations and creations that utilise the human senses to explore memories, both personal and collective, and our interconnectedness with the world. ABJ represents a continuation of his exploration into population movements, with Abidjan serving as the focal point.
“Abidjan thrives on the energy of diversity. The influx of migrants from North and West Africa has left an indelible mark on the city’s urban culture, gastronomy, and music. Through this project, I aspire to capture and present this urban dynamism in collaboration with the local community, thereby delving into the fundamental aspects of urban life and migration,” remarks Emeka Ogboh.
Ogboh, a recurring presence at major international art events, has notably showcased his work at the Dakar Biennale (2014), the Venice Biennale (2015), and Documenta 14 in Athens and Kassel (2017). The ABJ project is a joint production of SOMETHING and the Goethe-Institut Abidjan, with scenography by Clémence Farrell and technical support from ETC ONLYVIEW. The films are directed by Barbara John.
Ogboh’s exhibition promises visitors a unique sensory odyssey of themes of migration amidst the bustling markets of Abidjan. Blurring the lines between art and documentary, this rhythmic creation unveils the magnetic allure of Abidjan through diverse narratives from intellectuals, designers, micro-entrepreneurs from the markets, and chefs embracing a new wave of African gastronomy.
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