Tides & Waves: West Africa

Symposium Program

Schedule

September 29th 12:00pm - September 30th 7:00pmET

Taking place on the interactive platform Hopin, the symposium program is comprised of Mainstage presentations (like a Zoom webinar), followed by breakout discussions in Sessions (like a Zoom meeting). Both present opportunities to interact with the speakers. The platform also allows for participants to engage with each other in various formats.

The program includes short presentations around a number of themes and longer demonstrations and talks.

Recordings will be posted during the live event and on a password-protected webpage post-event.

The full 2-day schedule will be posted shortly.

Jariet Oloyé, one of the presenters in 'On Origins'. “Flying Saucer Cocktail Ring” is part of her Galaxy Collection, inspired by our ancestors spoken traditional stories that being passed from one generation to the next of African Kings and Elders seeking spiritual guidance in decision making.
Jariet Oloyé, one of the presenters in 'On Origins'. “Flying Saucer Cocktail Ring” is part of her Galaxy Collection, inspired by our ancestors spoken traditional stories that being passed from one generation to the next of African Kings and Elders seeking spiritual guidance in decision making.

Program Highlights

Keynote Presentation & Discussion - Emefa Cole

West Africa is composed of 16 countries—Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo, as well as Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha. The keynote presentation will provide a contextual structure for the symposium through the history, stories, and traditions of this transnational region.

The Ghanaian-born, London-based independent experimental jewellery artist and designer-maker creates sculptural pieces inspired by her African heritage. Cole also serves as the inaugural Curator of Jewellery (Diaspora) at the Victoria & Albert Museum, London.

Demonstrations

Matthieu Cheminée shares demonstrations on filigree by Guinea jeweler Ibrahima Condé, the making of a gold-plated biconical pendant by Modou Fall Tall from Senegal, casting with Tuareg jeweler Ghabda Oummama and other crafts from artisans in Niger. He'll also touch on his experience working with jewelers in West Africa and how these collaborations transpired.

Transforming Tradition

Artists whose work is inspired by historical forms, techniques or practices in West Africa today.

On Origins

Diaspora artists whose work focuses on themes and narratives that are rooted in or responding to West African cultural values and ideas.

Fresh Focus

Early Career Artists whose work pushes the boundaries of materials, techniques, or sociopolitical issues.

Exploring Education

A glimpse into the educational institutions and student experiences at home and abroad.

  • Professor Cyril Etornam Adala & students from the Department of Industrial Art at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST)

Beyond the Bench

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