After several years away from Benin's art scene, Meschac GABA is returning with a new exhibition titled "Le Bénin relevé ou hommage au président Patrice Talon". The exhibition, which opens on September 30, 2026, at the Maison GABA in Fidjrossè, will run until October 6, with visits available by appointment thereafter. This new exhibition marks a significant return for GABA, who has been working abroad and previously showcased his work at the Centre de Lobozounkpa nearly nine years ago.
The exhibition is centered around Benin's history, political memory, and societal transformations. Through various installations, GABA confronts visitors with events, figures, and realities that have shaped the country. The exhibition features several key pieces, including "Le Bénin relevé", which is an homage to former President Patrice Talon. This work is a reflection on the country's transformations and features a truelle, a symbol of work and construction, associated with a triangle representing a country in development.
GABA's exhibition also features "L’Horloge des présidents", composed of fifteen clocks, which examines Benin's political timeline and the different heads of state who have marked its history. Other works, such as "Assemblée nationale", "Democracy Game", and "Pollution Business", explore themes of democracy, economy, conflict, and social change. The exhibition incorporates everyday objects, including taxi-moto driver uniforms, fabrics, used inner tubes, tools, and banknotes, which are repurposed as creative supports.
The exhibition is not solely the work of Meschac GABA, as two other artists are also participating. Edwige Araba Akplogan presents two works under the theme "Le monde et ses aberrations", reflecting on the situation in Palestine and the CFA franc. Gratien Zossou contributes with pieces titled "Le Prisonnier d’opinion", "Les Ambastillés", and "Une femme à ma fenêtre". This collaborative effort offers a diverse and multifaceted look at Benin's history and contemporary issues.
According to GABA, the preparation of this exhibition took over six months. The idea for "Le Bénin relevé" was born from a conversation with artist Gratien Zossou while working on a series about Benin's former presidents. This work, and the exhibition as a whole, demonstrate GABA's commitment to exploring and representing Benin's complexities through art.
The use of detourned everyday objects, such as torn banknotes, allows GABA to explore themes of economy, development, and African realities. This approach invites visitors to reconsider their perspectives on Benin's evolution and the broader context of African development. By engaging with these themes and objects, the exhibition encourages a nuanced understanding of the country's past, present, and future.
Ultimately, Meschac GABA's exhibition offers a unique artistic journey through Benin's history and present. By combining various materials, symbols, and collaborative efforts, the exhibition provides a comprehensive look at the country's transformations and contemporary realities. The exhibition is a testament to GABA's skill and dedication as an artist and offers a thought-provoking experience for visitors.
Key points
- Meschac GABA's exhibition "Le Bénin relevé ou hommage au président Patrice Talon" explores Benin's history, societal changes, and contemporary realities through various installations and collaborative works.
