Biennale Performance Reclaims African Art Narrative, Spotlights Third Space Foundation

Event summary

  • Jelili Atiku will present 'Eyes No Dey Forget Wetin Heart See' at the Venice Biennale preview week (May 5-9, 2026).
  • The performance, part of '1922 Revisited,' is curated by Dr. Janine A. Sytsma and features artists from Africa and its diaspora.
  • Third Space Art Foundation is collaborating with the African Art in Venice Forum and the European Cultural Centre on the project.
  • A companion publication, 'Harmonies of Repair,' will be released alongside the performance.

The big picture

This initiative underscores a growing movement within the art world to critically re-examine historical narratives and challenge Eurocentric perspectives. Third Space Art Foundation’s focus on 'third spaces' – zones of dialogue and transformation – positions it as a key player in facilitating these conversations, which are increasingly important as institutions grapple with issues of representation and cultural equity. The Biennale's embrace of this theme, signaled by its 'In Minor Keys' curatorial framework, suggests a broader shift towards prioritizing marginalized voices and sensory experiences within the contemporary art landscape.

What we're watching

Cultural Impact
The success of Atiku's performance and the broader '1922 Revisited' program will likely influence future Biennale programming and the representation of African artists on the global stage.
Funding Models
Third Space Art Foundation’s reliance on collaborations and partnerships to execute ambitious projects highlights the evolving funding models within the arts sector, particularly for organizations focused on decolonial narratives.
Audience Engagement
The multi-site, processional nature of the performance suggests a deliberate strategy to engage a broader audience beyond traditional Biennale attendees, and the impact of this approach on public perception of contemporary African art warrants observation.