SEEKING OUT PROMISED LANDS WITH CURATOR MISSLA LIBSEKAL

Missla Libsekal is a voice that resonates powerfully in the world of contemporary African art and culture. Having carved a unique career as an independent curator she continues to amplify the narratives of African artists through her practice and her work at ART X Lagos, West Africa’s leading international art fair.

We step inside the curatorial theme for ART X Lagos 2024, ‘Promised Lands’ – developed by Libsekal – reflecting on the journey(s) to pastures anew in Africa’s vibrant artistic and cultural landscape, and the role of the curator in shaping inclusive futures.

Q

You define Promised Lands as: ‘places, real or imagined, which one actively seeks out, in the hopes of greatly improving one’s situation.’ What does the idea of ‘Promised Lands’ mean to you?

A

It's a lens to explore a simple, yet profound question: Where are we going? My aim was to create a concept that could resonate on an individual, collective and even societal level. ‘Promised Lands’ offers a generous and inspiring way to approach this question, regardless of one’s position.

Q

How do you see the theme coming to life at ART X Lagos 2024?

A

While each curatorial project is unique, they all stem from the idea of ‘Promised Lands’ and what it means to empower individuals. It’s a consideration of all the things we need to move the needle significantly further. What would it mean for us to aim to change our reality, rather than just the narrative? And in what ways can art catalyze an inclusive future?

Q

You define Promised Lands as: ‘places, real or imagined, which one actively seeks out, in the hopes of greatly improving one’s situation.’ What does the idea of ‘Promised Lands’ mean to you?

A

It's a lens to explore a simple, yet profound question: Where are we going? My aim was to create a concept that could resonate on an individual, collective and even societal level. ‘Promised Lands’ offers a generous and inspiring way to approach this question, regardless of one’s position.

Q

How do you see the theme coming to life at ART X Lagos 2024?

A

While each curatorial project is unique, they all stem from the idea of ‘Promised Lands’ and what it means to empower individuals. It’s a consideration of all the things we need to move the needle significantly further. What would it mean for us to aim to change our reality, rather than just the narrative? And in what ways can art catalyze an inclusive future?