Alice Diop presents at Art Basel Paris

Alice Diop is invited by Miuccia Prada to showcase her work at the Palais d'Iéna as part of Art Basel Paris from October 21 to 25. The event is part of the public program of the art fair, highlighting Diop's multidisciplinary approach to art and culture.

Exhibition title and themes

The exhibition, titled Geste de consolation, explores contemporary discussions that view difference as a threat. It investigates how bodies are represented in art and society, using a range of media including photography, literature, dance, and music.

Design and setting

The Palais d'Iéna is described as resembling a film set, with a parme floor and brown glazed curtains. This setting creates an immersive environment for the exhibition, which aims to engage visitors in a deeper reflection on identity and representation.

Opening photograph and artist

The exhibition opens with a black and white photograph by Zanele Muholi, a South African artist and activist. The image depicts a Black woman naked, lying on a bed, looking at herself in a mirror. Muholi is known for documenting Black LGBTQIA+ communities through her visual work.

Diop's perspective and the project's significance

Alice Diop, who is not a conceptual artist, accepted the invitation due to her admiration for Miuccia Prada's vision. She describes the project as a "great risk" and a new chapter in her creative journey, emphasizing its bold and innovative nature.

First part of the exhibition

The first part of the exhibition includes a video installation by Diop that confronts visitors with historical colonial images that classified, fetishized, and dehumanized Black bodies. This section challenges viewers to reflect on the legacy of colonialism and its impact on contemporary identity.

Second space and library

The second space features an immersive library of more than 300 books inspired by Diop's personal collection. This library allows visitors to explore works by Black, queer, and other artists and thinkers, highlighting diverse voices and perspectives.

Third space with performances

The third space focuses on bodies and voices, with readings, concerts, and performances. One notable performance is by choreographer Nadia Beugré, inspired by the dances of trans and queer people in Abidjan, known as the "foules."

Final part with sculpture

The final part of the exhibition includes a monumental bronze sculpture titled Sentinel (Mami Wata) by Simone Leigh. The piece is inspired by a West African water spirit figure, connecting the exhibition to broader themes of cultural heritage and identity.

Funding and cultural reflection

Diop notes that public funding has supported her films, but artistic research funding has been drastically reduced. She questions whether the French government has overlooked the importance of culture in helping societies tell their stories and challenge dominant narratives.

Exhibition dates and accessibility

The exhibition will be open to the public from October 21 to 25, 2026, at the Palais d'Iéna. It aims to highlight underrepresented artists and narratives, offering a platform for feminist, antiracist, queer, and postcolonial perspectives.