The recent exhibition at the Discovery Art Fair in Cologne (April 3-6) proved to be a memorable and impactful experience, albeit logistically challenging. Despite initial difficulties, we proudly and successfully introduced ourselves to the market, showcasing not only our remarkable artworks but also our commitment to addressing sensitive societal topics.
Our presentation centered on two key themes:
- “Disabilities and Inclusion,” introduced by Samuel Yomi-Meleki Timileyin’s thought-provoking series, “In-Sight.” This collection explores diverse sight disabilities, inviting viewers to question their perceptions and recognize universal limitations and vulnerabilities.
- “Mental Health,” featuring Joseph Egheosa Ifada’s powerful series, “Peace In Chaos.” This work delves into the complexities of mental health and illness, illuminating their profound impact on individuals and society.
As the sole African exhibitor presenting African crafts at the fair, our booth received widespread praise for the intricate details and emotional depth of our artworks. During installation, members of the fair's committee expressed admiration for our bold themes, with one remarking: “I discuss this topic with my daughter every day.” While a formal interview with the press didn't materialize, they actively directed visitors to our booth and an informal interview took place.
We also welcomed journalist Angelika Albrecht, who specifically sought out African art and conducted an insightful interview on the challenges and potential for African artists in Africa. Additionally, Simone Labonté of Crelala Kunst visited our booth, leading to an engaging discussion and a forthcoming article mentioning our work (available at https://crelala.de/crelala-kunst-stories/crelala-kunst-blog/janine-seelen-auf-der-discovery-art-fair-koeln-2025).
The public response was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing deep emotional connection to the artworks, noting their powerful storytelling. They all said: “Each artwork has so much emotion in it. We can feel they are sharing a story; they are talking to you. They are living artworks”. Could we have asked for more ? Notably, two visitors with sight disabilities found resonance with the pieces “Squint” and “Heterochromia,” feeling personally represented.
While some viewers found the works “Suicide, the stingy man’s exit” and “In-Sanity” confronting and too brutal, others appreciated their honest portrayal of difficult realities. These pieces sparked personal reflections and shared stories on suicide and disability, highlighting the diverse perspectives on these critical issues. A girl shared her personal story about a suicidal case in her family; a young boy told us his story as a disabled man in society. A particularly moving encounter was with a retired military veteran who connected our themes to his past experiences, encouraging our continued efforts to shed light on important societal concerns, stating that society needs such engagement.
He said: “In my generations, people fought for the right of women, we were sent to war in different continents including Africa. We have experienced death and saw the misery of people”. Seeing our works made him remember all of that and he confided: “The society is regressing, and it is time to do something about it. So, it is good that you are bringing sensible topics to light and it should be like that”.
While we cannot recount every interaction, we deeply appreciate the kindness, encouragement, and recognition received. We are grateful that so many individuals connected personally with our art and for the positive feedback, including being recognized as one of the fair's standout booths and the interest in future collaborations.
This exhibition marks the beginning of a significant journey. We remain committed to engaging, advocating, and educating through our art, bringing forth more stories and addressing sensible topics. Stay tuned for our next exhibition.
PS: Pictures at the installation day in our video was taken by Stefan Maria Rother
