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THE BLACK SPHINX II
From Morocco to Madagascar

1 June – 7 September, 2018

Opening 31 May 2018
6.30 pm

FEATURED ARTISTS:

Ghizlane Sahli (Morocco), Yasmine Ben Khelil (Tunisia),

Ifeoma U. Anyaeji (Nigeria), Marie-Claire Messouma Manlanbien (Ivory Coast),

Houda Terjuman, Yassine Balbzioui (Morocco),

Amina Zoubir (Algeria), Troy Makaza (Zimbabwe),

Januario Jano (Angola) and Joël Andrianomearisoa (Madagascar)

Primo Marella Gallery is pleased to present The Black Sphinx II, the second chapter of that art journey started last year with The Black Sphinx show, aiming to highlight a careful selection of emerging contemporary artists whose practice and life intertwine with Africa.

This exhibition exploits the book written by Mario Appelius, first published in 1925. In the almost unknown Africa of that time – at least from a Western perspective - a group of European explorers began to look for trade opportunities, investigating both cultural and political aspects. The long and difficult path that goes through the entire black continent is meticulously described by the author, able to transmit the African magic environment and to create an engaging atmosphere.

Likewise, as the title reveals, our project wants to draw the attention on the contemporary African continent as a true expression of a great cultural and artistic dynamism and an even stronger self-awareness. The political instability of certain regions is just the inescapable backdrop of stories that actually aspire to go beyond the local affairs. If Mario Appelius in his book identifies the black sphinx as metaphor of a mysterious, if not mystified territory, here the meaning of such mythical creature is radically overturned embodying the vivid artistic development and the extraordinary contribution of these nine young artists to the international artistic debate.

Based on the above, Primo Marella Gallery disclose the show with they eyes of a resilient explorer, enthusiast of the journey undertaken, calling for an audience to share his discoveries with. Behind the heterogeneity of such a large area, it is clear how these experiences offer a new and original voice to the cause of contemporary art.