A Choir of Many Voices

I would like to say something about the "Avant-Garde and Liberation” exhibition on two levels: firstly, what I saw and secondly, how I perceived this exhibition.

I was very touched to see so many impressive works by artists from the so-called “Global South”. Finally, no Western-dominated Eurocentric presentation.

What are their views on issues such as racism, sexism or ecological challenges? How can a decolonized language succeed? What can the Western world learn from them?

Each work tells its own story. From abstract paintings to provocative installations and political posters - the exhibition covers a broad spectrum and shows how closely art and social change are interwoven.

However, visitors are intellectually challenged, as there is no common thread running through the exhibition.

And at a time when diversity and inclusion are becoming increasingly important in all areas, especially in the art world, the choice of curators unfortunately seems out of date. The perspectives represented in the exhibition may be limited by the fact that they are viewed through a specific, Western-influenced and privileged lens.

Decolonized and, above all, more comprehensible language is a continuous process of learning, questioning and adapting. Above all, it requires voice and sensitivity to ensure that language is inclusive, respectful and free from colonial power structures. Through these measures, we can help promote more equitable and respectful communication.

Nevertheless, I would highly recommend this exhibition because there are absolutely amazing objects on display that are touching and thought-provoking.

 

My first impression was that I didn't know what this exhibition was about. The title of the exhibition and the text on the folder were not immediately clear to me either. So I looked it up on the Internet. 
“Avant-Garde” are new pioneering developments, changes with a fundamental and long-term impact that lead to liberation? 

“Decolonial” questions colonial thought patterns that place Europe at the center and value it more highly, as well as supposedly universally valid truths.
To this end, alternative / different ways of relating to life and the world are placed at the center. 

On the one hand, modernism is a time period or a philosophical concept and also serves to differentiate the present from the past, which fits well with the term “contemporary art” and the Museum of Modern Art. 
I like what the art educator Lea says about some of the works. 

The large painting Clin d'oeil à Cheikh Anta Diop - Un continent à la recherche de son histoire by Omar Bar right by the entrance is painted on boxes that are lined up like a wall. The people were born in Africa and were all Black, they are depicted in a walking position, which in Egyptian depictions means that the person is alive.
I think you could add more boxes, just as new, living people have always been added and are still being added. There could also be something inside the boxes, as mementos are often kept in boxes.

black and white sculptures by Iman Issa such as Self-Portrait (Self as Doria Shafik) nearby are reminiscent of channeling and it occurs to me that perhaps culture is a channel to the past, where those who lived before us still have an effect on us. 
I like the fact that the artworks are made from different, sometimes unusual materials (garbage, adhesive tape, food). 
The exhibition is very large and extensive. 

When I go through it, it's far too much and I often have very little to do with most of the objects. It's better if I look at some of the objects with an art educator who explains them. 
Perhaps you could film the artists with their exhibited works and have them explain their work.