Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Africanews
Published on 2024-01-31 14:43:03
A new exhibition celebrating the groundbreaking performances of Josephine Baker at the Revue Nègre has been unveiled at the Neue Nationalgalerie in Berlin, Germany. Entitled “Josephine Baker: Icon in Motion,” the exhibition commemorates the centennial of Baker’s influential performances in Paris. Born in Missouri in 1906, Baker’s journey to Paris began after a successful dancing career in New York. Her breakthrough at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées during La Revue Nègre in 1925 catapulted her to fame, establishing her as one of the few Black dancers gaining national attention.
Baker’s stardom continued to rise, making her the most successful American entertainer in France. She became the first Black woman to star in a major motion picture with the 1927 silent film “Siren of the Tropics.” The exhibition highlights her influence on the 1920s, portraying her as a symbol of the jazz age. “Josephine Baker: Icon in Motion” offers a multidimensional perspective on Baker’s life, showcasing her artistry in dance, music, film, and her impactful roles as a resistance fighter and civil rights activist.
Curated by Dr. Mona Horncastle and film scholar Dr. Terri Francis, the exhibition features photos, videos, and archival items from Baker’s illustrious career. It also includes the historical and contemporary contributions of artists such as Le Corbusier, George Hoyningen-Heene, Henri Matisse, Jean-Ulrick Desert, Simone Yvette Leigh, Faith Ringgold, Ines Weizman, Carrie Mae Weems, and Kandis Williams. These contributions enrich the exhibition by providing a deeper understanding of the golden era of Berlin during the 1920s and Baker’s impact in the “Revue Nègre.”
The exhibition also sheds light on Baker’s superstar status in Europe, where racial laws in the United States posed challenges for Black artists. Kandis Williams, the curator, emphasizes the importance of understanding Baker’s iconicity and artistry that continue to inspire generations of Black artists and performers. It delves into Baker’s life, from her visibility in the spotlight to her wartime contributions in the French intelligence service during World War II.
For Williams, Baker remains a profound inspiration for younger artists, offering an opportunity to reflect on her agency and intentionality in the face of overwhelming fame. “Josephine Baker. Icon in Motion” invites audiences to explore the nuanced narratives of Baker’s life, making it a must-see exhibition for those seeking to understand her enduring impact. The exhibition is open to the public from January 27 to April 28, 2024, and is a fitting tribute to the indelible legacy of Josephine Baker.
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