Talk Melanin Exhibition – Contemporary African Art in Brussels

OpenArtExchange kicks of the new year with our participation in the first edition of Talk Melanin, a carefully curated African contemporary art exhibition in collaboration with collectors Mattia and Bettina Starace Kashiama, initiators of this art event, and other galleries. The event takes place at the historical Talk CeC art space, housed in an old former ceramics and porcelain factory at the heart of Brussels-Ixelles, Talk Melanin brings together artists, galleries, curators, and collectors to celebrate and engage with the African contemporary art scene in and around Brussels. 

About the exhibition

Talk Melanin aims to be an annually returning art event in Brussels where art buyers can indulge themselves for 4 weeks in a snapshot of contemporary visual art from Africa and its diaspora, brought together by a collaboration of various artists, galeries and other curators. The event is accompanied by a program of interesting side events, from guided tours and talks to music, performances and fashion.

As main art partner in this inaugural edition, OpenArtExchange presents a fine selection of its large collection of contemporary art from Africa and its diaspora.  You will find heavy textured abstract oils by well-established artists Henry Kalama(DR Congo) and Kingsley Ogwara(Luxembourg/Nigeria), intriguing abstract symbolism in black and white by seasonedSanda Amadou(Benin) and wall sculptures of welded cutlery from the renowned Freddy Tsimba (DR Congo). They mix seamlessly with emerging and mid career talents that are making their mark internationally right now: impressing masks from rubber tires an mixed media by emerging talent Marcel Kpoho (Benin) next to the slender, bigger-than-life painted cherrywood sculptures by Kingsley Ogwara, a wide variety in ceramic fantasy sculptures and masks in white stone clay and Delft blue glazings by Benjamin Deguenon(Benin) and colorful Vodoun gods and spirits in carpainted baked earthenware by Elise Tokoudagba (Benin). Beautiful authentic pieces offering only a glimpse of the great diversity in contemporary art from Africa and its diaspora, clearly defying any stereotyping: This is Talk Melanin. 

But there is more: There are sculptures and art works from various other artists and galleries to be discovered: Ceramic works by Eunice Tiperu Wambui (Kenya-Belgium), works by Ulrik Abé who mixes earth pigments and coffee with paint (Ivory Coast), or mixed-media sculptures by Binta Sagna (Senegal) created from recycled plastic scraps.  

Parking Information

Parking near Talk C.E.C.

Talk C.E.C. is located in the lively Ixelles district of Brussels, where on-street parking is regulated and availability may be limited.

On-street parking

Street parking in the surrounding area is subject to local parking zones and regulations. Depending on the zone, parking may be paid or limited in time (e.g. blue or green zones). Please check local signage for current rates and maximum parking duration.

Nearby parking garages

Several public parking garages are located within walking distance of Talk C.E.C., particularly around Chaussée de Wavre and Place Flagey. Using parking apps such as ParkBee, BePark or Parclick can help you find and reserve a spot in advance. Prices vary depending on location and duration.

Tip

Parking can be busy during events. We recommend planning ahead or considering public transport (tram or bus) or local bike-sharing options for easier access.