Benin's past, present, and future is on display for the first time at the 60th Venice Biennale

Ancestral African art plays a significant role as a source of inspiration and cultural identity for artists across Africa. However, the majority of cultural artifacts, around 90%, are still outside of the continent. In recent years, efforts have been made to repatriate stolen artifacts, including 26 artifacts returned to Benin in 2021, and plans by the Smithsonian Museum of African Art in the US to repatriate Benin bronzes. Benin is now presenting its own national pavilion at the Venice Biennale, featuring four contemporary artists exploring themes of African feminism, gender, decolonization, and spirituality. The exhibition aims to highlight the link between traditional cultural practices and contemporary art.