The Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza in Madrid unveiled “Calabash Nebula,” the first Spanish solo exhibition by acclaimed artist Tabita Rezaire on October 8, per artplugged.co.uk. This immersive journey through space, spirituality and indigenous knowledge challenges conventional understanding of the cosmos while bridging cultural divides.
Curated by the renowned Chus Martínez, the exhibition showcases three circular installations that transform the museum space into a contemplative sanctuary. Rezaire, who balances her artistic practice with cocoa farming in French Guiana, brings a unique perspective that questions neo colonial power structures while celebrating traditional wisdom.
“My work revolves around the infinite, circular cycle of life,” explains Rezaire, whose exhibition centrepiece, “Des/astres” (2024), reimagines the traditional French Guianan carbet as a digital planetarium. Visitors recline in hand-woven Amerindian hammocks beneath a circular video projection that explores humanity’s connection to the cosmos through four elemental sections: forest, water, stone, and sky.
The exhibition’s entrance features “Omu Elu” (2024), a striking installation of six indigo-dyed textiles depicting different manifestations of Yemoja, the Yoruba water deity. Rezaire’s personal involvement in the dying process – using her first indigo vat – demonstrates her commitment to preserving traditional craftsmanship while pushing artistic boundaries.
Perhaps the most innovative installation, “OMI: Yemoja Temple,” emerged from an unusual collaboration between art and science. Rezaire worked alongside biologists from the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behaviour to study Tanzania’s aquatic ecosystems, resulting in a water-drop-shaped sanctuary where visitors can perform libations with water, honey and indigo.
“This exhibition represents a significant moment in our ongoing examination of post-colonial societies,” says a spokesperson for TBA21, which co-produced the exhibition with Fondation Louis Vuitton and Schering Stiftung. “Rezaire’s work challenges us to reconsider our relationship with technology, spirituality, and the natural world.”
The exhibition is accompanied by an ambitious public programme, including lectures from astronomers and Afro-descendant cultural experts. A highlight includes a December 10 presentation by artist María Arnal and computing expert Fernando Cucchietti, exploring the intersection of art and technology. Family-friendly activities, such as the monthly “Create Your Own Constellation” workshop at the Royal Observatory of Madrid, make the exhibition accessible to all ages.
For visitors seeking deeper engagement, themed tours are offered by La Parcería and Madrid Negro on Saturday nights, providing unique perspectives on the exhibition’s cultural significance. A digital publication featuring texts by curator Chus Martínez, Omikunmi Egbelade and Joël Vacheron accompanies the exhibition.
“Calabash Nebula” represents a significant milestone in Rezaire’s career and in the museum’s programming. The exhibition’s support from institutions including the Institut Français in Spain, the Royal Observatory of Madrid, and the Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology underscores its importance in contemporary cultural dialogue.
Through this comprehensive presentation, Rezaire invites visitors to question traditional power structures while embracing alternative ways of understanding our universe. The exhibition serves as a powerful reminder of the vital role that indigenous knowledge and spiritual practices can play in addressing contemporary challenges, from environmental crisis to cultural preservation.
“Calabash Nebula” runs until January 12, 2025, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience an exhibition that defies conventional categorisation while promoting cross-cultural understanding and environmental awareness.
•Featured image: Tabita Rezaire/Marcella Ruiz Cruz
