Project aim

The project "Faces and Masks - the interwoven relation" focuses on creative dialogue. Artists from Africa and Europe will work together and respond to the respective cultural history of masks. It aims to be more than an art project - it is an invitation to shed new light on the narratives anchored in the deepest heart of cultural identity and to re-establish dialogues at eye level.

It is a common quest for recognition and understanding that respectfully centres on the creation of new works of art.

Through a creative workshop, personal and family stories will be collected to explore commonalities and engage in an exchange that transcends national and cultural boundaries.

A curated exhibition will show the newly created works, running parallel to historical masks. This exhibition will take place in an African and a European city. The connection between cultures that emerges in this creative exchange shows how artists can bridge the gap between cultures, gain understanding and create new perspectives.

contains excerpts from Ila Wingen's concept

Method

Different artistic approaches can be combined within the framework of a one-week workshop. A direct reaction to each other's work is encouraged. In the best case scenario, joint works of art are created. The participating artists come from Africa and Europe.

Cultural sovereignty is dissolved and a creative commonality becomes visible.

During the lab , oral storytelling plays an important role in the artistic development. Personal, family stories and memories of and about masks from the participants' own cultures are exchanged and similarities are explored.
New, different, shared masks are created.

contains excerpts from Ila Wingen's concept

Goal

The aim is to organise an exhibition of these newly created objects, images and worlds of thought in combination with historical masks and any existing works by the participating artists that relate to the theme. The exhibition will be shown in Africa and in Europe (e.g. Germany) or in Switzerland and documented accordingly.

contains excerpts from Ila Wingen's concept

This project is a collaboration of curator Ila Wingen,Rose Musyoki and the GLAM-team Wikimedia Switzerland. It will also feature curatorial assistance from Lenny Kariuki from the National Gallery of Kenya.

Artists

Featured artists include Khalid Shatta,Hera Hassan,Laura Arminda Kingsley, Kairos Futura, Mwass Githinji, Ila Wingen and Sandra Becker.

From L to R: Hera Hassan, Tracy Buyanzi, and Mwass Githinji.
Mask, Peru, Moche (Loma Negra) (MET, 1979.206.1282)

Results

This is a collection of results inspired by our monthly GLAM meetings at KBCB in Biel/ Bienne:

Exhibition Preparation Update (9 May 2026)

During our visit to the gallery earlier this month, the artists and I were introduced to the masks below, which will be presented in conversation with the exhibition Faces and Masks: The Interwoven Relation.

The Murumbi Heritage Gallery /Nairobi Gallery contains prized collections from the former Vice president of Kenya, Joseph Murumbi This marks the first time these collections have entered into dialogue with contemporary artists in Nairobi.

**Masks in Dialogue**
Mask	Country	Relevance
Bamileke Sculpture	Cameroon	Authority and Chiefdoms.
Mukishi-Hamba Pwo	Mozambique and Congo	Matrilineal lineage and honoring women in society. The mask was worn and performed by men to honor women.
Wooden Moon Mask	Congo	Used in ceremonial practices. The white pigment is applied to evoke the moon, holding deep significance during new moon dances.
Baoule ram mask	Akan people, Republic of Côte d'Ivoire	Connection to the land

Activities

Studio Visits
Visiting the Nairobi Gallery with the artists.
Analysis of the archives and noting the progress and relevance of the artworks.

Masks in Memory

Contemporary artists from Nairobi have chosen several apporaches that honour memory, communal worship and practices, celebration and sustainable futures.

Rose trying out the sisal headgear at the Kairos Studios, Nairobi.
The headgear was designed as an intervention to Lamu as an approach to contemporary weaving techniques.