The special exhibition From Mystic to Plastic. African Masks. Photographs by Stéphan Gladieu is dedicated to two portrait series with mask costumes from the Republic of Bénin and Kinshasa (DR Congo).
The Egungun cycle (2018–2020) shows photographs of the impressive Egungun mask costumes from the Republic of Bénin. These costumes are used in mask performances that are part of ancestor worship. The dancers in their impressive costumes are possessed by ancestor spirits who return to the community of the living to help them overcome the challenges of life.
Homo Detritus (2020/21) presents photographs of new mask costumes created by the artist collective Ndaku Ya (Life is Beautiful) from Kinshasa (DR Congo). These are based on the idea that the mineral resources of the DR Congo have made it one of the richest countries in the world. However, the vast majority of the Congolese population benefits not in the slightest from this wealth, which is taken out of the country by means of ruthless exploitation. At best, the wealth is returned in the form of second-hand goods or even hazardous waste.
The overall title From Mystic to Plastic is a reference to the shared concept of the central importance of mask dances, in which past and present are linked and social challenges are addressed.
Stéphan Gladieu, photographer, was born in 1969 and is based in Paris. Self-taught, he began his career by documenting world-shattering conflicts. With his characteristic iconic portrait style, in which he combines aesthetic and documentary aspects, he addresses ethnological and sociological as well as political and ecological issues.
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Discipline:
Fotografie
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Event code:
75
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Language:
German, English
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Barrier-free:
Yes
Organiser
Maximilianstraße 42
80538 München
Within Munich's diverse museum landscape, the Museum Five Continents offers a unique access to the cultural heritage of people from around the world.