Ya LaFord and Myrtis Bedolla at the Dakar Biennale

2024 Dakar Biennale
Musée des Civilisations Noires
Dakar, Senegal
November 7 – December 7, 2024

Dr. Myrtis Bedolla & Ya LaFord in attendance

From Musée des Civilisations Noires: Join us as we bring American art to local audiences through a series of engaging artist talks. These talks will cover the diverse and dynamic landscape of contemporary American art, offering insights into the works featured in the U.S. Biennale exhibit.

Participating artists will share the stories behind their creations, providing deeper context and understanding of their artistic process. Whether drawing from personal experiences, cultural heritage, or global influences, each artist brings a unique perspective to the conversation. By organizing these artist talks, the U.S. Embassy in Dakar aims to foster meaningful connections and promote cross-cultural dialogue. Join us as we celebrate the power of creativity to unite and inspire and foster mutual understanding and appreciation between Senegalese and American audiences.

Dr. Myrtis Bedolla
about Myrtis | selected writings | press | media | linkedin

Dr. Bedolla will join Dr. Diana Baird N’Diaye, Curator of The Work of the Wake at the Musée des Civilisations Noires, U.S. Biennale Pavilion, on Saturday, November 16th, to discuss “The Impact of Contemporary African Art on the American Market.” This program will explore the increasing presence of African art in American galleries, museums, and auction houses, examining its impact on cultural dialogue and market growth. Key topics will include the rise of African art fairs, increased visibility of artists like El Anatsui and Wangechi Mutu, and the growing interest from American collectors, along with the challenges African artists face in the global market and how technology helps bridge the gap between artists and collectors. Time details are to be announced. This session will offer insights on promoting African creativity and heritage on the world stage.

Ya LaFord
artwork | public artwork |statement | bio | resume

Additionally, Galerie Myrtis is honored to feature Ya La’ford in The Wake exhibition at the Musée des Civilisations Noires from November 7th to December 7th, inspired by Christina Sharpe’s book In the Wake: On Blackness and Being, which examines the lasting impact of slavery on the African diaspora. La’ford, the sole American painter among an international cohort, will present a site-specific multimedia piece with hand-dyed geometric patterns and intricate projections. La’ford will discuss her exploration of identity, heritage, and societal fragmentation during an artist talk on November 12th, from 3:00 to 4:00 pm (GMT) at MBC. Her recent interview with Essence Magazine further highlights her participation in the Dakar Biennale and artistic journey.

“As a first-generation American, public artist, painter, and social practice activist, I navigate identity, cultural heritage, and societal fragmentation through art that challenges norms and reflects global paradigms. Drawing from diverse cultures and experiences worldwide, ‘Navigating Intersections through ‘Water Frontier 14.4974° N 14.4524° W’ catalyzes reconstructing identity, empowering communities, and fostering civic engagement. Rooted in the African Diaspora, my work weaves together ethnography, symbolism, and the essence of water to create narratives that transcend borders and resonate with diasporic communities globally. Inspired by the rhythmic patterns of the ocean, I pay homage to interconnectedness and resilience, inviting viewers to reimagine past, present, and future. Through intricate designs and storytelling, I explore the profound connections between water, migration, and human resilience, inviting contemplation on humanity’s place within the fabric of existence.” – Ya La’ford