The Black Sphinx II. From Morocco to Madagascar

About

This exhibition exploits the book written by Mario Appelius, first published in 1925. In the almost unknown Africa of that time – at least from a Western perspective - a group of European explorers began to look for trade opportunities, investigating both cultural and political aspects. The long and difficult path that goes through the entire black continent is meticulously described by the author, able to transmit the African magic environment and to create an engaging atmosphere.

Likewise, as the title reveals, our project wants to draw the attention on the contemporary African continent as a true expression of a great cultural and artistic dynamism and an even stronger self-awareness. The political instability of certain regions is just the inescapable backdrop of stories that actually aspire to go beyond the local affairs. If Mario Appelius in his book identifies the black sphinx as metaphor of a mysterious, if not mystified territory, here the meaning of such mythical creature is radically overturned embodying the vivid artistic development and the extraordinary contribution of these nine young artists to the international artistic debate.

Based on the above, Primo Marella Gallery disclose the show with they eyes of a resilient explorer, enthusiast of the journey undertaken, calling for an audience to share his discoveries with. Behind the heterogeneity of such a large area, it is clear how these experiences offer a new and original voice to the cause of contemporary art.