African Maximalism: Call for contributions

A show on public space in nairobi, hosted by the Goethe-Insti­tut Nairobi, cura­ted by Afri­can Maxi­ma­lism . Opening 28th Febru­ary 2009









Call for Submis­si­ons:



Afri­can Maxi­ma­lism invi­tes you to submit your propo­sals, papers and artis­tic works, in order to gene­rate an exhi­bi­tion on the subject of artis­tic and cultu­ral prac­tice in public space and the public sphere. As the exhi­bi­tion will be in Kenya, we parti­cu­larly encou­rage submis­si­ons from Artists, Theo­re­ti­ci­ans, Acti­vists working in, or expe­ri­en­ced with, the situ­a­tion in the region.



We want to analyse, ques­tion and prove what 'Public Space’ and 'The Public Sphe­re’ mean in urban Kenya; what happens within that space, and under what terms can Art can enter that space. In fact, does it even exist, or is public space in Nairobi, a simu­la­tion, a copy of what «Public Space» in inter­na­ti­o­nal discour­ses stands for; often that of a spec­ta­cle which, even if its consi­de­red to be subver­sive, contri­bu­tes to the capi­ta­list urban spec­ta­cle, and can be consi­de­red no more than urban folk­lore.



Our show, is not concei­ved of as subver­sive, but is more a cock­tail, a small over­view, of what the current unders­tan­ding of public space is within this context. There­fore, we also accept submis­si­ons of work that has alre­ady taken place. Regar­ding this, we welcome imagi­na­tive and expe­ri­men­tal docu­men­ta­tion, that not only serves as 'docu­ment’ but has the inten­tion to acti­vate and produce its audi­ence.



The Call is open until: Jan 15th 2009





As means of produc­tion are limi­ted, we encou­rage you to corres­pond with us sooner rather than later.