Exhibition

A mask hides an identity, or reveals it.
The traditional mask, used during African ceremonies and festivals, is always more than the wooden face worn by the dancer: it allows an entity to take shape, with its own way of dancing and moving. The wearer transforms into another person, a deity, sometimes even an animal.

The exhibition presents 180 masks in an original way, grouped according to 18 themes including the history of the collection and the role of the mask in communication with the supernatural, in the harvest, during initiation rituals, at funerals, etc.

Here is a preview of some of the groups:

1. ‘Trophies’ – acquisition of the collection
2. Benevolent Conspirators – GURO masks
3. The Other’s Other – perception of the foreigner
4. No Man’s Land – the mask and initiation
5. Adieu? – the mask and the funeral ceremony
6. Another Kingdom – the world of animals, source of inspiration

The masks are accompanied by the works of 14 contemporary artists:
Sammy Baloji, Moustapha Dimé, Romuald Hazoumé, EL Loko, Angèle Etoundi Essamba, Abdoulaye Konaté, Ndary Lô, Aimé Mpane, Aimé Ntakiyica, Yinka Shonibare, Barthélémy Toguo, Freddy Tsimba, Antoine Tempé and Dominique Zinkpé.
These works address identity, self-respect and the representation of the Other.