Entitled The Words Create Images, the 5th edition of the BIC is inspired by the work of South African photographer George Hallett (1942-2020) and the role of African literature in image making processes. The theme also refers to an observation by Jacques Derrida, during his seminar Trace et archive, image et art(2002) on “the idea of ​​the word working as an image, beyond its discursive properties”.

This theme unfolds in Casablanca through word, text, sign, language, thought, discourse, be it orality, writing or code; transmission of customary, historical or contemporary stories; discursive spaces and margins of expression.

Three major exhibitions

The exhibitions will bring together multidisciplinary works including painting, photography, video, installation, performance, and digital art.

Three exhibitions held at the American Arts Center, SoArt Gallery and the BIC Project Space will structure the BIC and present the works of 17 artists until December 17:

• The American Arts Center : Brahim Benkirane (Morocco), Kyoo Choix (South Korea/France), Alessandra Ferrini (Italy/United Kingdom), Brandon Gercara (France), George Hallett (South Africa), Amira Hanafi (Egypt /United States), Emilia Izquierdo (Chile/United Kingdom), Elias Mendel (United Kingdom), Gideon Mendel (South Africa/United Kingdom), Ada Pinkston (United States) and Buhlebezwe Siwani (South Africa).

• SoArt Gallery : Aisha Jemila Daniels (United States), Lebohang Kganye (South Africa), Sharlene Khan (South Africa) and Alice Mann (South Africa).

• Bic Project Space : Khadija Tnana (Morocco) and Ziad Naitaddi (Morocco).

The BIC’s associated programme will consist in a collaboration with La Serre by l’Atelier de l’Observatoire (Morocco).

The artists were selected following a call for applications launched in 2019, as part of a curatorial research carried out from 2019 to 2022, and following portfolio reviews held in Casablanca and virtually in July and August 2022.

The 5th International Biennale of Casablanca is placed under the artistic direction of Christine Eyene (England/Cameroon), art historian and exhibition curator, in collaboration with three emerging curators: Selma Naguib (Morocco), Patrick Nzazi Kiama (Republic Democratic Party of Congo/France) and Juste Constant Onana Amougui (Cameroon).

A rich public program

In addition to the exhibitions, the Biennale will host a rich public program starting during the professional days from 17 to 20 November, at musée de la Fondation Abderrahman Slaoui and The American Arts Center with performances, discussions, and conversations between the BIC’s artists and curators, as well as interventions by Siham Weigant (Independent curator, Morocco / Co-curator, Dakar Biennale 2022), Pr. Joasia Krysa (Curator of the Helsinki Biennale 2023), Yann Mazéas (Director of the MO .CO. Esba, Montpellier), ART AFRICA (Cape Town), and many others.

Finally, after the 59th Venice Biennale and Documenta fifteen, the International Biennale of Casablanca is hosting SAISON 6 – Volume 2, an international residency programme for young artists who have graduated from MO.CO. Esba – Montpellier School of Fine Arts. Six laureates are invited to develop their work during one year over 3 residencies, organised on the occasion of biennales and major international exhibitions. The laureates are Marie Boutevin, Paul Dubois, Alyss Fleury, Pierre Peres(K.BLUM), Clémentine Poirier (BOBBY BRIM) and Gaétan Vaguelsy who will participate in several of the BIC’s activities and exhibit their work at the end of their time at Casablanca.

Organised by Maroc Premium Fondation, the 5th International Biennale of Casablanca is produced in partnership and collaboration with: IFITRY, Centre d’Art Contemporain Essaouira, BIC Project Space, FRAC Réunion, Institut français, Phileas – A fund for Contemporary Art, Liverpool John Moores University and The American Arts Center.

The second part of the International Biennale of Casablanca will take place from 1 June to 2 July 2023.

www.biennalecasablanca.org

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