À Barcelone, les abstractions très politiques de Kapwani Kiwanga à la fondation Miró
Kapwani Kiwanga's retrospective at the Fundació Joan Miró in Barcelona presents her politically charged abstract works, including new textile pieces inspired by Joan Miró's habit of carrying a carob pod in a specially sewn pocket. The exhibition, titled "Kapwani Kiwanga. États changeants," features sisal fiber sculptures, gold leaf, mahogany, and beadwork, all chosen for their histories tied to colonial trade, post-colonial dynamics, and global exchange. Curated by Martina Millà, the show explores themes of protection, home, and the hidden power structures embedded in everyday materials.
This retrospective matters because Kiwanga, a Canadian artist trained in anthropology and comparative religion, uses materiality to critique colonial legacies and systemic violence, making abstract art a vehicle for political commentary. The exhibition at the Miró Foundation, a major institution, signals the growing recognition of artists who merge aesthetic elegance with critical historical analysis, positioning Kiwanga as a key voice in contemporary art discourse on decolonization and global exchange.