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Senegal Art Biennale
A visitor explores the international exhibit at the Dakar Biennale of Contemporary African Art in Dakar, Senegal, Friday, Nov. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Annika Hammerschlag)

At an art festival in Dakar, artists from both sides of the Atlantic examine the legacy of slavery

The Dakar Biennale of Contemporary African Art, or Dak’Art, has opened in the Senegalese capital

By MONIKA PRONCZUK and MARK BANCHEREAU
Published - Nov 08, 2024, 11:45 AM ET
Last Updated - Dec 16, 2024, 05:32 PM EST

DAKAR, Senegal (AP) — A whirlwind of color and art at the opening of this year's Dakar Biennale of Contemporary African Art in the Senegalese capital stood in stark contrast to the serious topic of slavery featuring in the artworks of guest artists from the United States.

The U.S. exhibit showcases seven African American artists whose works examine the past, present and future repercussions of slavery. It's part of the international festival held every other year and known as Dak’Art.

Traditional “boubous,” wide-sleeved robes worn across West Africa, mixed with black suits and ties at the opening Thursday in Dakar, the capital of Senegal.

The exhibition, founded in 1989 by the Senegalese government to promote the continent's thriving art scene, has over the years become one of the most important among African artists.

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