IBA Conversations – The Artist as Initiator: Sammy Baloji

Sammy Baloji. Courtesy of the artist

IBA Conversations: The Artist as Initiator
April 30, 2021
3:00pm – 4:30pm (London)

Biennials are fluid institutions with very diverse genesis depending on local circumstances and cultural infrastructure. Throughout their recent history an increasing number has been initiated by local artists which sets them apart from other cultural institutions. With the upcoming talk we want to focus on this specific aspect of the model through the eyes and experience of two artists who have decided to pursue this to understand their motivation, their struggle and how this has impacted their own practice.

Today we want to present the first invited guest, Sammy Baloji. Born in 1978 in Lubumbashi, he graduated in Information and Communication Sciences from the University of Lubumbashi. Since September 2019, he has been conducting a PhD research in art at Sint Lucas (Belgium). He first became interested in comics before turning to photography and video. His favorite theme is the notion of industrial and cultural heritage of his country. In 2008, together with artists and cultural producers from the Picha association, they created the Lubumbashi Biennale.

The Lubumbashi Biennial has, since its inception, been an example of how a continuous effort by a group of artists can generate very positive synergies for the local and regional art scene being able to attract the attention of artists and biennial makers the world over.

We hope to see you numerous and interested on April 30th at 3pm London time!

Those who are interested in joining are asked to register here.

In order for a genuine and frank discussion to take place and due to the sensitivity of some of the subjects to be covered, these events will have limited availability with priority to be given to current members of IBA and those who are interested in joining.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@biennialassociation.org.