On August 1, AFRIQUES@AuxGazelles, a festival dedicated to contemporary African art and culture, will debut at Aux Gazelles. This unique venue, known since 2002 for its Moroccan-French lifestyle, integrates a restaurant, club, bazaar, shaded terrace, and hammam spa into a distinctive “hotel sans chambres.” Located at the foot of the Rahlstiege, which connects directly to the Marcus Omofuma Memorial at the Square of Human Rights, Aux Gazelles offers a fitting backdrop for this cultural extravaganza.
Installation and Public Space Integration
To inaugurate the festival, Louise Deininger has been invited to create an installation at the Rahlstiege. Her work aims to make the connection between historical and contemporary stories of African culture in Austria visible, thus incorporating the AFRIQUES festival into the public space.
AFRIQUES@AuxGazelles Exhibition Highlights
Throughout August, Aux Gazelles will transform into a creative urban oasis, showcasing works from exciting African artists based in Vienna and around the world across approximately 1200 m2 of indoor and outdoor space. The exhibiting artists include:
- Louise Deininger (Uganda)
- Thomas Vava (Uganda)
- Daniela Frimpong-Mansoh (Ghana)
- Alphonse Ndagijiamana (Rwanda)
- Khulekani Cele (South Africa)
- Boris Anje (Cameroon)
- Noumimbimbou Nijele Leuna (Cameroon)
- Meriem Yin (Morocco)
- Baba Diedhiou (Senegal)
- Moustapha Baïdi Oumarou (Cameroon)
- Damilola Moses Opedun (Nigeria)
- Taiye Erewele (Nigeria)
- Famakan Magasa (Mali)
- Wasiu Eshinlokun (Nigeria)
- Selassie (Ghana)
- Johnson Ocheja (Nigeria)
Additionally, an immersive art installation by the Ethiopian artist collective The House of Yatreda, alongside digital design worlds, will enchant visitors in the cooled hammam area.
Culinary and Sensory Experience
Christine Ruckendorfer has collaborated with Nigerian artist Emeka Ogboh to create a festival-focused menu that provides a multisensory exploration of migration. This culinary experience engages all five senses—taste, smell, sound, sight, and touch—offering guests a profound understanding of cultural exchange and movement.
Supporting Programme for AFRIQUES@AuxGazelles
The festival’s diverse supporting programme includes live performances by Rose May Alaba, Afrobae, Country Wizzy, Adama Dicko & Seno Blues, Zakaria Ouelman, Akashic, DJ Samad Najib & Max Doblhoff, Soulcat, Ladies DJ Collective, Rick Toldon & Barbara Miller, Aaron Hallu, and many more. Workshops by “Wir sind auch Wien,” Kids of the Diaspora, and a Sunday Gospel Brunch will complement the programme.
Fashion Shows and Closing Event
Fashion shows by Barbara Alli, Rama Diaw, and a Deluxe Fashion Show at BAL D’AFRIQUE will mark the festival’s closing event on Saturday, August 31, 2024. Special guests include Chief Nike Davies-Okundaye, an icon of the African art scene, and Innocent Masuku, an emerging tenor from South Africa.
Cinema d’Afrique
The festival will feature regular film screenings, including works by Cannes participant Mo Harawe and Austrian premieres of Moroccan short films from ESAV (École Supérier des Arts Visuels de Marrakech). Blockbusters like Black Panther, Out of Africa, and Blood Diamonds will also be shown, accompanied by the African Snack Box and ANDAS beer.
Round Tables and Discussions
Discussions on current topics such as climate, sustainability, migration, and empowerment will be held, featuring projects like The Great Green Wall, GYCO, and water initiatives. Stay up to date on the latest in fashion, arts, beauty, and lifestyle by following FAB L’Style Magazine.
Art & Crafts Market
High-quality furniture, accessories, clothing, and jewellery will be available, enriching the festival ambiance.
Festival Vision
AFRIQUES@AuxGazelles invites art lovers, culture enthusiasts, and the curious to discover contemporary African art and experience the vibrancy of African culture. Christine Ruckendorfer, founder of Aux Gazelles and initiator of the festival, explains, “Our goal is to break stereotypes and promote a deeper understanding of the diversity and richness of different cultures. We aim to tell stories with the artists and create atmospheres that appeal to those eager to experience modern and contemporary Africa. It is a personal concern to shorten distances in people’s minds, spark interest in art, and foster dialogue.”
The AFRIQUES festival promises to be a highlight in Vienna’s cultural calendar, offering new perspectives on the African continent and celebrating its dynamic contemporary art scene.
