The exhibition assembles works by more than twenty artists with the aim of redefining Africa’s representation in the global narrative. Inspired by the continent’s historical cultural wealth and its present-day sociopolitical landscape, the exhibition draws from the philosophies of Cameroonian thinker Achille Mbembe, who proposed that we imagine a world in common by thinking the world from Africa.

The exhibition endeavors to challenge conventional perceptions and encourage a view of Africa that places it at the heart of a shared global future. Through their art, these photographers and filmmakers push against the limitations often imposed by stereotypical representations, highlighting the continent‘s diverse realities and its potential to influence broader human stories. Structured into three thematic sections—Identity and Tradition, Counterhistories, and Imagined Futures—the exhibition spans a comprehensive exploration of Africa’s past, present, and speculative futures.

With works by Kelani Abass, Atong Atem, Malala Andrialavidrazana, Edson Chagas, Kudzanai Chiurai, Rotimi Fani-Kayode, Maïmouna Guerresi, Hassan Hajjaj, Délio Jasse, Samson Kambalu, Kiripi Katembo, Lebohang Kganye, Sabelo Mlangeni, Mário Macilau, Fabrice Monteiro, Aïda Muluneh, George Osodi, Dawit L. Petros, Zina Saro-Wiwa, and Khadija Saye.

C& Book Residency

As part of the exhibitions A World in Common . Contemporary African Photographyand Silvia Rosi . Protektorat . C/O Berlin Talent Award 2024, which are presented in parallel at C/O Berlin, the C& Book Residency is being created in the foyer in collaboration with ContemporaryAnd (C&). Designed as a reading room, this central space offers a carefully curated selection of books from the C& library. The publications respond to the themes of the exhibitions and offer visitors a stimulating opportunity to engage more intensively with the content of the works in both exhibitions.

co-berlin.org