Beginning in the early 1990s, a trend towards aesthetic globalization brought profound change to the art world – or at least to its geopolitics. African contemporary art gained acceptance as a living reality, although not unconditionally: intellectually a clotted perception of its traditional forms persisted, all the more so in that these forms were still closely implicated in the history of modern Western art.
That a foundation like the one created by the Zinsou family should exist today as an umbrella for some of Africa’s leading artists is a tribute to hard work, patience and sheer stubbornness. It took a long time, however, before more hybrid artforms resonating with the Western context would gain recognition.
With a selection of works by 37 African artists – characterized by a porosity between reality and the supernatural, between everyday life and legend - the Hôtel des collections of Montpellier celebrates the militant activity of the Zinsou Foundation, firmly anchored in its Beninese context while also addressing the whole world.

Artists: Léonce Raphaël Agbodjelou, Ishola Akpo, Joël Andrianomearisoa, Aston, Sammy Baloji, Pierre Bodo, Frédéric Bruly Bouabré, Seyni Awa Camara, Chéri Chérin, Jérémy Demester, Jean Depara, Omar Victor Diop, Kifouli Dossou, Rotimi Fani-Kayode, Samuel Fosso, Pauline Guerrier, Romuald Hazoumè, Seydou Keïta, Adama Kouyaté, George Lilanga, Ibrahim Mahama, Esther Mahlangu, Emo de Medeiros, Moké, Zanele Muholi, Rigobert Nimi, J. D. ’Okhai Ojeikere, Kwesi Owusu-Ankomah, Gérard Quenum, Sadek Rahim, Lyndi Sales, Chéri Samba, Amadou Sanogo, Malick Sidibé, Aïcha Snoussi, Sanlé Sory, Cyprien Tokoudagba

Montpellier, MO.CO., July - October 2021

Contents

Foreword
Nicolas Bourriaud

A Collection for Transmission. In Conversation with Marie-Cécile Zinsou

Reflections on Contemporary African Art: Fragments of History
Christine Eyene

The Braider
Alain Mabanckou

Cyprien Tokoudagba: Narratives and Symbols
Pauline Faure

Four Essays on the Collection’s Works
Eva Barois de Caevel

Making History?

Being the Subject, Looking at the Subject

The Body of One, the Body of All

You Should Have Another Name

Artist Biographies
List of Exhibited Works
Author Biographies
Colophon