An Artist's Frustation with Dak'Art

Dak’art is an event that many people look forward to experiencing. This exhibition presents an opportunity for African artists in various locations to show their work to an audience that is primarily interested in contemporary art practice and output. Senegal becomes the meeting place where both local and international curators, critics, writers, collectors and artists interact.

This year’s version of this exhibition did not have a curator and presented fewer artists' work as part of the main exhibition. Dakar was a frustration and disappointment for me. Despite the fact that my work did not arrive on time to be displayed, I felt that the organisation and general communication within the organisational structure was lacking. The exhibition and the events around it had the potential to be really great so it was sad to not get the opportunity to experience it all. Despite all its problems, this event provides a space for interaction and exchange between various players in the art field. The city is beautiful and rich with history, engaging with people from Dakar as well as other artists and critics was the highlight of my trip.

Nandipha Mntambo is a visual artist based in Cape Town.

Nandipha Mntambo, The Silent Embrace digital prints on cotton
rag paper (photo Tony Meintjes)