The intervention in the permanent exhibition “Where is Africa” at the Linden Museum in Stuttgart aims to provide insights into the Africa collection and to present objects from the storage area from different perspectives. The focus is on reinterpreting these culturally rich artefacts with the involvement of Stuttgart’s Black community. To strengthen the connection between Stuttgart’s Black community and the museum, two members of Stuttgart’s Black community will be invited to explore the storage collection and display selected pieces in a special exhibition area.
Our task is to present the exhibits in a stylish manner and bring them to the fore. At the kick-off meeting, we meet Kausar Quasim and Sett Ofili. Following our research into Nigerian and Somali culture, we plan the space and draft the design concept. The selection of exhibits and media, as well as the implementation, takes place in close collaboration with the curator, as well as Kausar Quasim and Sett Ofili. It is important to take the artists’ ideas and wishes into account. The exhibits should therefore be displayed without display cases wherever possible, to allow visitors a particularly intimate encounter. VISUELL ensures an aesthetic and functional realisation that enriches the museum experience and places the objects at the centre. The intervention area contrasts sharply with the permanent exhibition and appears as a self-contained unit.
Airy string curtains clearly demarcate the space whilst retaining a sense of lightness. They facilitate an organic navigation, with the entrances and exits reminiscent of cave entrances. Sound installations and displays featuring interviews with the artists enrich the exhibition. Elegant fabric banners suspended from the ceiling ensure a minimalist and stylish presentation.
The colour scheme is inspired by the natural materials of the exhibits, such as ivory and wood, and features earth tones and beige. The typography is highly legible and used to create strong contrasts. The exhibition and the curated selection of exhibits create a dialogue that celebrates Africa’s cultural diversity and rich heritage.
“Our collaboration with VISUELL was characterised by a harmonious team dynamic and an exceptional level of creativity and flexibility. Despite the limited time and resources, the result was outstanding and exceeded our expectations.”
Katja Scharff
Head of Exhibitions & Projects
Linden-Museum Stuttgart
