Passengers In Transit

20.04.2024 – 24.11.2024

The Centre for Contemporary Art, Lagos (CCA Lagos), founded by Bisi Silva, is set to make a significant mark at the 60th International Art Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia with its exhibition, Passengers in Transit. Scheduled as a Collateral Event of the Biennale Arte 2024 “Stranieri Ovunque – Foreigners Everywhere”, this showcase brings together five Afro-descent female artists from Africa, the Caribbean, and the USA, exploring the intricacies of foreignness, identity, and belonging in our global society. Drawing inspiration from Angolan writer José Eduardo Agualusa’s homonymous storybook, the exhibition, curated by Paula Nascimento, Oyindamola Faithful, and Roger Niyigena Karera, weaves together diverse narratives that transcend geographical boundaries.

Passengers in Transit will be hosted and supported by 193 Gallery, established in 2018 in Paris, the gallery is born from a genuine passion for contemporary art and exploration. Its programming fosters immersive, cross-cultural experiences, actively challenging stereotypes as curators engage with local art scenes, aiming to appreciate the diversity within global contemporary art, showcased at the Biennale Arte 2024.
Nestled within the Ex-Farmacia Solveni at Dorsoduro 993-994, the exhibition breathes new life into this historical venue, formerly a pharmacy and local landmark. This transformation converts it into a dynamic hub for arts and culture, injecting added significance into the heart of Venice and inviting both locals and visitors to experience the transformative power of art.

The selected artists—April Bey, Christa David, Euridice Zaituna Kala, Joana Choumali, and Thandiwe Muriu—employ interdisciplinary practices to navigate the convergence between identity, gender, memory, and place. Their works engage with history and fiction, prompting a thoughtful reflection on the representation of black bodies within the contemporary world and speculating on possible futures. The project urges viewers to contemplate the endless journey of self-discovery within the context of social beings, drawing from philosophical propositions by Levinas, Waldernfels, and Edouard Glissant’s right to opacity, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and respecting diversity.

Passengers in Transit also pays homage to the late Bisi Silva by serving as a tribute to the Àsikò Art School. This initiative, founded in 2010, acts as a Pan-African critical pedagogic platform, supporting African artists and curators in honing their craft on the continent. During the Biennale Arte 2024, Passengers in Transit unfolds in varied formats, including an exhibition, a curated library, and a talks program, embodying a multidisciplinary approach. This aligns with the spirit of Àsikò Art School, which exists in a hybrid format—part workshop, part academy, part residency.

Leveraging the influential platform of the 60th International Art Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia, Passengers in Transit aims to unite cultural, political, economic, and societal influencers during the opening month. Two events are planned to enrich discussions on foreignness, identity, and belonging, emphasizing the project’s commitment to fostering meaningful dialogue on pressing global issues. As CCA Lagos supported by 193 Gallery takes center stage in Venice, Passengers in Transit promises to be a transformative experience that transcends traditional exhibition boundaries, creating a lasting impact on the cultural landscape.