The 16th Biennale of Contemporary African Art, also known as Dak'Art, is set to take place in Dakar from November 19 to December 19, 2026. This prestigious event brings together artists from various countries to showcase their work. A total of 75 artists have been selected for this edition, comprising 54 visual artists for the International Exhibition and 21 for the design section. The director of Dak'Art 2026, Morad Montazami, made the announcement during the official launch ceremony held in Dakar.
Faouzi Laatiris, a prominent Moroccan artist, has been appointed as the grand witness for Dak'Art 2026. He expressed his excitement about returning to this significant event in African contemporary art, more than two decades after his first participation, which earned him the Francophonie Prize for his installation "Sculptures Ambulantes". Laatiris described his appointment as a grand witness as an "emotion and a particular joy" after over twenty years of creative work, encounters, and transmission to new generations of artists.
The artist's previous collaboration with the Institut national des beaux-arts de Tétouan led to the creation of two projects: "Volumes fugitifs: Faouzi Laatiris et l'Institut national des beaux-arts de Tétouan" and "Catalogue déraisonné". Laatiris views his return to Dakar as a "spirale qui ouvre un nouveau chapitre" (a spiral that opens a new chapter), rather than a repetition of past experiences. He looks forward to this new chapter with enthusiasm and hope.
Faouzi Laatiris also shared his perspective on the place of Moroccan contemporary art within the African scene. He expressed optimism about the prospects, while acknowledging the significant progress needed to deepen artistic exchanges across the continent. The artist's reflections highlight the importance of continued dialogue and collaboration among African artists to promote a richer and more diverse cultural landscape.
The 16th Biennale of Contemporary African Art promises to be an exciting event, showcasing the works of 75 artists from various countries. The selection of Faouzi Laatiris as grand witness underscores his significant contribution to Moroccan and African contemporary art. His presence is expected to inspire and enrich the discussions and exchanges that will take place during the biennale.
As the event approaches, art enthusiasts and critics are eagerly anticipating the unveiling of the latest trends and innovations in African contemporary art. The appointment of Faouzi Laatiris as grand witness at Dak'Art 2026 is a testament to his enduring impact on the art world and his role as a bridge between generations of artists.
Key points
- Faouzi Laatiris, a Moroccan artist, has been appointed as the grand witness for Dak'Art 2026, a prestigious event showcasing contemporary African art.
