Ocean Space hosts the National Gallery of Canada and the Wexner Center for the Arts for a symposium of critical conversations to deepen analysis of Kapwani Kiwanga: Trinket, on view at the Canada Pavilion as part of the 60th International Art Exhibition – Biennale di Venezia.

Trinket presents an immersive environment that connects the interior and exterior of the Canada Pavilion. At its core are conterie, or seed beads, which have a rich historical significance dating back to the sixteenth century. These glass beads were dispersed from Murano in the Venetian archipelago and incorporated into material cultures throughout the world via established commerce routes linking Europe, Africa and the Americas.

The exhibition unravels the intricate web of trade, power structures and influences, and cultural exchange that underpins history, and examines disparities in the ways seed beads were perceived and the value that was attributed to them. Trinket prompts reflection on the enduring impacts that transoceanic trade has on our contemporary world, opening the possibility of reimagining and reshaping long-established narratives.

On 13 and 14 June, a world-renowned group of scholars and researchers from diverse disciplines (many involved in Black and African diaspora studies) will converge in Venice to engage in meaningful dialogue surrounding the themes encapsulated in and emanating through Trinket. The sessions will be divided into four main areas of inquiry: movement & routes, value & economies, aesthetics & material culture, and material & social structures.

The symposium will offer an interdisciplinary study of material culture, commerce and cultural exchange. Delving into the implications of power dynamics, transnational trade and other structures on which our societies depend, this program will explore the multifaceted research informing Kiwanga’s ambitious project at the Biennale.

A Coincidence of Wants, the Shape of Value is co-organized by the National Gallery of Canada and the Wexner Center for the Arts and held in collaboration with TBA21–Academy at Ocean Space.

Thursday, June 13

• 10 -10:10am | Welcome remarks
  
• 10:10 - 10:30am | Opening remarks: Gaëtane Verna & Kapwani Kiwanga
• 10:30am -12pm | Session 1: Value & Economies: Denise Ferreira da Silva, Karin Pallaver, Alexandra Nahwegahbow, Dionne Custer Edwards (moderator)
  
• 1:30 - 3pm | Session 2: Movement & routes: Vinicius de Aguiar Furuie, Nadia Yala Kisukidi, Anne Ruderman, Anaïs Castro (moderator)
  
• 3:15 - 4:45pm | Session 3: Aesthetics & material culture: Royce K Young Wolf, Michael Prokopow, Carolin Köchling (moderator)

Friday, June 14

• 10 - 11:30am | Session 4: Material & social structures: Mabel O Wilson, Pierre Niccolò Sofia, Emily Haidet (moderator)
• 11:30am - 12:20pm | Closing remarks: Anaïs Castro, Dionne Custer Edwards, Emily Haidet, Costanza Longanesi Cattani (moderator)

Download the bios here.

Vinicius de Aguiar Furuie

Denise Ferreira da Silva

Nadia Yala Kisukidi

Alexandra Kahsenni:io Nahwegahbow

Karin Pallaver

Michael J. Prokopow

Anne Ruderman

Pierre Niccolò Sofia

Mabel O. Wilson

Royce K. Young Wolf

Anaïs Castro

Costanza Longanesi Cattani

Dionne Custer Edwards

Emily Haidet

Carolin Köchling