Decolonising Restitution

Dr. Mahret Ifeoma Kupka of Talking Object Lab delivers an enlightening lecture on restitution and what it means beyond the return of looted artefacts and how objects can be integrated into communities and museums. The lecture encourages more accessible and inclusive debates on the topic of restitution, decolonization, and the future of African-European relations.

Ayomide Fasedu's spoken word presentation delves into the themes of power, colonialism, cultural erosion, and the ongoing reclamation efforts. Through her poems and readings, she critically examined the rhetoric surrounding restitution and repatriation, challenging the violent legacy of the West in acquiring African objects. Fasedu's powerful words offered a message of hope, emphasizing the significance of reclaiming cultural heritage.

Through an interactive performance, Tolulope Ami-Williams guides audience members to engage in a ritual of cleansing and reconnecting, while a voiceover resonates with emotions of loss, pain, hope, and healing. The performance symbolically references the ongoing restitution process, where African communities are reuniting with their long-lost artefacts returned by Western nations.

The panel, moderated by Wale Ojo, Editor-in-Chief of The Republic, brought together experts in their respective fields. Dr. Oluwatoyin Sogbesan, an art and architecture historian and consultant, Sarafadeen Bello, an artist and architectural designer, and Femi Johnson, a director, producer, and artist, all G.A.S. Fellows, engaged in a multidisciplinary discussion. With active participation from the audience, the panel delved into diverse perspectives surrounding the ongoing debates on restitution, fostering an exploration of different viewpoints.

The panel, skillfully moderated by Tracian Meikle, curator-in-residence at The Treehouse, brought together a distinguished group of experts. Independent curator Olufisayo Bakare, arts manager Brenda Fashugba, and acclaimed activist Matthew Blaise comprised the panel. Their collective insights and expertise offered a dynamic exploration of relevant perspectives in the arts, administration, and activism.