The annual Dakar Biennale, typically frequented by wealthy elites, has attracted a vibrant influx of teenagers and young adults. Encouraged by social media and Senegal's new president, these young visitors engage with contemporary art, marking a shift in the cultural landscape.
Young Artists and Social Media Unite at Dakar Biennale
Young Artists and Social Media Unite at Dakar Biennale
Dakar's art exhibition breaks traditional barriers, welcoming a youthful audience driven by creativity and connectivity.
Every two years, the Dakar Biennale transforms Senegal's capital into a vibrant hub for art collectors and enthusiasts alike. Traditionally associated with wealth and sophistication, this year's edition has seen a refreshing twist; it is filled with the energy of Senegalese teenagers and young adults, eager to embrace the artistic offerings.
At the heart of the biennale—housed in the once-abandoned Old Courthouse—a new demographic is reshaping the audience profile. Young attendees, dressed in everything from flip-flops to tailored shirts, venture in groups after school, driven by a desire to connect with art.
“It’s fun, it’s free, it’s beautiful and it’s so Instagrammable,” enthused Sokna Mbene Thiam, a 17-year-old high school student, during a visit with classmates. These youth are encountering contemporary art for the first time, experiencing it in a manner that is accessible and engaging.
With social media tools at their fingertips, the young crowd utilizes platforms to capture their experiences, blending self-expression with the cultural sensitivity of the biennale. This transformative wave, spurred by Senegal's new administration, signifies a promising trend where art transcends socio-economic barriers.
The vibrant atmosphere at the biennale indicates a shift in how art is perceived and consumed in Senegal, inviting a broader, more diverse audience into its fold. It's not just an exhibition; it’s a celebration of creativity, inclusivity, and the power of youth to reshape cultural narratives.
