It lies in public spaces
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| Free of Charge |
| Treffpunkt: Raum 216 |
| Duration: 60 min |
| English, German |
| 2nd Floor |
| max. 30 persons |
| Belongs to: Ethnological Collections and Asian Art |
The performance artist David Dibiah questions the Africa collections and their presentation in the recently opened Ethnologisches Museum. What is contained in public spaces and display cabinets like these? What truths must be uncovered? What lies are still being told today? Together with the audience and in alternating rhythms consisting of rap, prayer, commemorative proclamations, melodies and poetry recitals a protest sound is created that is deeply meaningful while demanding: No object without permission!
The performance enables visitors to gain a new perspective on the history of the objects, their presence speaks to them on an emotional level. Instead of the greed for knowledge and collection hoarding, which characterised the motivation of the colonial collectors, it is about intensifying compassion and wisdom.
David Dibiah
David Dibiah is a Berlin-based multidisciplinary artist whose work spans performance, graphic design, music, and education. A graduate in Graphic Design and a member of the Verein Berliner Künstler since 2010, Dibiah is a key figure in Berlin’s cultural scene.
His notable work It Lies in Public Spaces at the Humboldt Forum critically explores colonial legacies through rap, prayer, and poetry. Currently, he is developing Berlin Reconference, a performance addressing 140 years of colonialism through storytelling, music, and philosophy.
As an educator, Dibiah teaches art in Berlin’s Jugendkunstschulen and works as a guide since 2001 for the Staatliche Museen zu Berlin fostering deeper engagement with art and culture. His work challenges narratives and inspires future generations.