In December 1992, Dakar hosted the second International Biennale of Contemporary Arts, a week-long event that brought together 100 artists from around the world. The event, known as DAK'ART 92, was a celebration of universal art and a showcase of talents from different parts of the globe. The biennale was an opportunity for artists to express themselves and for the Senegalese people to experience different forms of art.
The biennale was officially opened on December 14, 1992, by President Abdou Diouf at the Daniel Sorano Theatre. The event was widely covered by the media, with the national daily newspaper, Le Soleil, dedicating four pages to the biennale. The newspaper's headline, "DAK'ART 92: Éloge du beau," reflected the significance of the event. The biennale was seen as a platform for dialogue and exchange between artists and cultures.
The biennale featured 110 artists from five continents, who exhibited around 200 works of art in different genres and styles. The event included colloquiums, exhibitions, and spectacles, which showcased the creativity and diversity of contemporary art. The biennale also provided an opportunity for the Senegalese people to experience art in different forms, with some artists setting up galleries in public spaces, such as the Place de l'Obélisque.
The biennale was also a celebration of Senegalese art and culture. Three artists from the École de Dakar, Alpha Walid Diallo, Iba Ndiaye, and Pape Ibra Tall, were honored during the event. President Diouf, in his inaugural speech, praised the École des arts de Dakar, saying it embodied the synthesis of traditional and modern creativity.
The biennale was not just about art, but also about culture and dialogue. The event provided a platform for artists to express themselves and for the Senegalese people to experience different forms of art. The biennale was a celebration of universal art and a reflection of the country's commitment to cultural exchange and dialogue.
The event was widely covered by the media, with journalists and artists writing about the significance of the biennale. Dié Maty Fall, a journalist, wrote about the event, highlighting the importance of the biennale in promoting contemporary art in Senegal. Modou Mamoune Faye, another journalist, described the biennale as the most important event dedicated to contemporary African art since the 1966 Festival des arts nègres de Dakar.
The legacy of DAK'ART 92 continues to be felt in Senegal and beyond. The biennale helped to promote Senegalese art and culture, and provided a platform for artists to showcase their work. The event also highlighted the importance of cultural exchange and dialogue in promoting understanding and cooperation between different cultures.
Key points
- The 1992 Dakar Biennale brought together 100 artists from around the world to celebrate universal art.
