Iwalewa
House of the University of Bayreuth in the south of Germany, was founded in 1981 to research, document and teach contemporary
African culture with special emphasis on everyday life, art, the media
and music. Its work is presented to the general public in exhibitions, concerts, lectures and performances. Its current exhibition AFROPOLIS is making good news from fans and critics alike in Germany.
By displaying the work of some 30 artists AFROPOLIS takes its visitors
through a well curated result of where arts and science cross paths in
growing settlements of Lagos, Kinshasa, Nairobi, Cairo and
Johannesburg. Architecture, social life, economy ...exposes life in ‘slums’ and to a great extend without the prejudices of the west.
A curious visit to any growing city in developing countries leaves the impression of an organized chaos notably different to any western standards. Most often large areas of these cities could not by any western standard be described as cities in the first place. Their size and population is their only legitimacy by western standards to the name "city". However these structures function for those who live in them. Without any visible clue of planning, their inhabitants claim and develop land by rules unspoken but well known to them.
Life in so-called slums has its own rules and stratified roles which seem to work for those who live there but would be a challenge to any visitor with a preconceived idea of what a settlement should look like. The reality is often contradictory to popular believe and beats most minds. A hectare of land in these slums is often more expensive than in other residential areas of higher status. Lords who are more respected and admired than the municipal mayor have the last say on important issues.
These and other views from scientific angle are displayed in AFROPOLIS in its unique nature.
AFROPOLIS goes on till September 9th 2011.
Opening hours:
Tuesday - Sunday from 2pm to 6pm
Münzgasse 9
95444 Bayreuth
www.afropolis.net
