On Friday January 16, we proudly celebrated the opening of the group exhibition, TALK MELANIN, an African contemporary art exhibition organised in collaboration with Mattia and Bettina Starace Kashiama, initiators of the project. Held at the gallery TALK C.E.C. in the heart of Brussels, the exhibition brings together artists, galleries, curators, and collectors to celebrate and engage with the African contemporary art scene in Brussels and beyond.
As main art partner of this inaugural edition, OpenArtExchange presents a curated selection of its extensive collection of contemporary art from Africa and its diaspora. The selection features richly textured abstract oil-paintings from Henri Kalama (DRC) and Kingsley Ogwara (Luxembourg/Nigeria), alongside the striking black and white abstract symbolism of Sanda Amadou(Benin). Sculptural works also play a central role, ranging from wall sculptures made of welded cutlery by the renowned Freddy Tsimba (RDC) to works by emerging and mid-career talents making a strong international impact today. These include rubber tire masks by Marcel Kpoho(Benin), ceramic sculptures and masks by Benjamin Deguenon (Benin), and vibrant Vodoun deities in painted baked earthenware by Elise Tokoudagba(Benin).
The vernissage was marked by meaningful encounters, lively conversation, and of course, vibrant contemporary art. A special highlight of the evening was a live performance by PercyFlow, a Brussels-based rapper, whose texts echoe the themes explore in TALK MELANIN. The night was further rythmed by a DJ set from DJ Selecta Killa.
The exhibition is on view until February, 8th, 2026 at TALK C.E.C., Chaussée de Wavre 143, 1050 Ixelles, Brussels.
Photo Credits: Daniil Zozulya | instagram: zzdaniil
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