The Johannesburg architecture exhibition documents more than eighty buildings in Cote d’ Ivoire, Senegal, Kenya, Zambia and Ghana. It’s accompanied by the 700-page publication African Modernism -Architecture of Independence.
“The exhibit shows architect that was built during the era of decolonisation and the era of independence of sub Saharan African countries. I’m very interested in this relationship between architect and politics. The architecture that is exhibited here is maybe an ideal showcase to understand this relationship.” Said Manuel Herz – Author/Architect
From stadiums and universities to banks and memorials, the exhibition explores architectural projects that emerged in Central and sub-Saharan Africa. Considered both symbols of new found freedom and, in some instances, reminders of a recent colonial past-architects and designers were brought in from abroad to help create the foundations of these new nations. At the same time, this architecture also shows the difficulties, contradictions and dilemmas that the countries experienced in their independence process.
The buildings are examined from diverse standpoints, and their evolving significance is charted over time. The exhibition ends in January.
