Roméo MivekanninAtlas16.06. - 22.06.2025
Art Basel, Basel

Roméo Mivekannin’s presentation serves as a profound commentary on the intersections of architecture, history, and cultural representation.
The installation ‚Atlas‘ consists of eight steel sculptures, which resemble bird cages. These cages represent museums which housed ethnographic collections. By creating small-scale replicas of buildings that evoke the historical contexts of colonization and human zoos, he invites viewers to reflect on the complex narratives surrounding these structures and their implications for identity and power dynamics.
Cages are powerful symbols that evoke feelings of entrapment and oss of freedom. In this context, they serve as a reminder of the historical practices that sought to control and exploit ‚the Other.‘ By suspending these cages within an exhibition space, Roméo creates a dialogue between the past and present, encouraging viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about colonial legacies and their ongoing impact on contemporary society.

Each cage is hand-welded in Ivory Coast, highlighting the importance of local artisanship in a globalized world. This choice not only honors African craft traditions but also challenges dominant narratives that often overlook or undervalue indigenous skills and knowledge.