For years, Zurich Art Weekend has been a favorite stop for collectors, curators, and critics heading to Art Basel. This year’s event, held in 2018, marked the formalization of this tradition. The vibrant gallery scene of Zurich comes alive this weekend, with approximately 60 galleries, museums, and alternative spaces hosting exhibitions that extend well into the summer months. To help visitors navigate this artistic extravaganza, a guidebook offers nine suggested walking routes, grouping nearby venues.
The art on display across Zurich during this time is truly captivating. Many of the city’s top venues reserve their best and highest-profile exhibitions for this Art Basel–adjacent period. In this article, we’ll highlight some of the remarkable works by African artists showcased at Zurich Art Weekend.
Image courtesy of Galerie Eva Presenhuber
Galerie Eva Presenhuber showcases the innovative works of Tschabalala Self, a leading contemporary African artist. Self combines sewn and sutured fabric with painted elements to create daring and evocative portraits. Her recent exploration includes sculptural elements as well. In her exhibition titled “Spaces and Places,” visitors are greeted by “Seated Woman 1” (2023), a bronze sculpture of a Black woman in a red dress seated on a green chair. Self’s works depict scenes of Black individuals engaging in various activities, each telling a unique story. The standout piece, “Transformation” (2023), beautifully merges a figure with furniture, symbolizing the artist’s own artistic and physical journey.
Galerie Peter Kilchmann presents the latest work of Paul Mpagi Sepuya, an African American artist based in Los Angeles. Sepuya’s ongoing series, “DAYLIGHT STUDIO / DARK ROOM STUDIO,” subverts the notion of studio portraits. He incorporates elements of the photography studio itself, revealing the tools and setting behind the scenes. The intimacy and tenderness captured in his portraits continue to captivate audiences. Sepuya’s mastery of composition and his exploration of nudity and human connection makes his work truly compelling.
Image courtesy of Instagram
These African artists bring their unique perspectives and creative brilliance to Zurich Art Weekend, enriching the event with their powerful narratives. Through their works, they explore themes of identity, transformation, and cultural representation. Zurich Art Weekend provides a platform for diverse African artists to showcase their talent, offering visitors an opportunity to engage with thought-provoking and visually stunning artworks. Don’t miss the chance to immerse yourself in this extraordinary display of African artistic excellence.
Additionally, Karma International features the works of Marłgorzata Mirga-Tas, an artist known for her textile-based portraits. Mirga-Tas aims to challenge stereotypes and depict the Roma community in a more authentic light. Her works often incorporate personal histories, using garments worn by the sitters. Visitors are drawn to the mesmerizing details in her pieces, such as lace accents and delicate feathers. The artwork invites contemplation and evokes a tactile experience.
Zurich Art Weekend celebrates the contributions of African artists and provides a platform for their voices to be heard. The event’s rich and diverse exhibitions, featuring works by Tschabalala Self, Marłgorzata Mirga-Tas, Paul Mpagi Sepuya, and others, offer a glimpse into the remarkable talent emerging from the African continent. By showcasing these artists, Zurich Art Weekend highlights the power of art to transcend boundaries and foster dialogue.
