Entry area of the “Planet Africa” exhibition at the James-Simon-Galerie, Berlin (Attribution & Copyright: J. Sigl)
“Planet Africa” in the James Simon Gallery
Exhibition Opening
After years of research and preparation, the time had finally come last Thursday, December 5th, 2024. The “Planet Africa” exhibition opened at the James-Simon-Galerie in Berlin.
The evening began in the auditorium of the James-Simon-Galerie with words of appreciation from the participating institutions and a speech by Katja Keul, Minister of State at the Federal Foreign Office. This was followed by a dialog between the curators from the various locations in Ghana, Kenya, Eswatini, Mozambique and Germany, in which they shared and discussed their experiences to date. The reports on processes at the locations on the African continent in particular offered numerous interesting insights, sometimes even with amusing anecdotes.
After the introduction and dialog, a reception awaited the guests in the spacious foyer of the James-Simon-Galerie offering drinks and snacks, accompanied by the varied sounds of DJane Afrodisiac. To reach the exhibition itself, guests had to make their way down to the lower ground floor, which they did one by one. A lively stream of people quickly developed between the floors of the James Simon Gallery and between the boxes and objects in the “Planet Africa” exhibition. Downstairs, the exhibits were admired and discussed. There were also various opportunities to get involved and immortalize themselves in the guest book or on the wall of impressions. On the upper floor, the atmosphere became more and more lively as time went on. The dance floor in front of the DJ booth also became increasingly popular.
Impressions of the exhibition with its boxes and integrated objects as well as a view of the museum store (Attribution & Copyright: J. Sigl).
Altogether, it was a very successful opening. The guests gained new impressions of “Planet Africa”. This opportunity is now also open to all other visitors to the Berlin exhibition – completely free of charge. In April, “Planet Africa” will then travel to Munich and from there on to Chemnitz. At some African locations, however, the exhibition will remain permanently.
Press Reviews
- “… In addition, the modern use of ancient knowledge and the archaeological exploration of their own past by the African researchers and artists involved in the research projects and the exhibition is shown. In this way, the exhibition also examines the viability of archaeology as a connecting link for pan-African and intercontinental solidarity.” (original text German)
Berliner Morgenpost - “… Archaeological finds and replicas of almost two-million-year-old stone tools, clay vessels and human skulls provide insights into the art, crafts, technology and environment of times gone by. Audio stations report on the migrations of the tribes, their search for food and their customs.” (original text German)
Berliner Zeitung - “Africa is the cradle of humankind – many cultural techniques spread from here. This is the theme of the “Planet Africa” exhibition at the James Simon Gallery.” (original text German)
rbb Inforadio - “… With its information panels and short animated films, which were also drawn by the street artists, the exhibition also offers an insight into the development of writing from cave painting to the alphabet, the development of languages, trade and power and the position of powerful male and female rulers.” (original text German)
Tagesspiegel
