francis kéré devises three gallery spaces for an exhibition on racism

francis kéré has devised three different gallery spaces that form part of a new exhibition in germany. currently on view at deutsches hygiene museum dresden, ‘racism. the invention of human races’ investigates the implications of the term ‘race’ in a contemporary, democratic society. the scenography connects the architecture with the themes of each room, which harmoniously communicates with the exhibited artwork.

all images by andrea maretto / kéré architecture

in the first space, the visitor is welcomed by a large wooden installation. the modular structure has a strict spatial order, reminiscent of the classification system used in european modernist science. the second room is set up as a gallery where the artwork confiscated and defamed by the national socialist party has been put on display. here, visitors can analyze and observe historical teaching and propaganda material.

in the first room, the visitor is welcomed by a large wooden installation

intended as a space for communication, the final room has a very different atmosphere. the space, which resembles a large canopy, takes inspiration from francis kéré’s homeland in rural west africa, where all social gatherings happen under the large crowns of the trees. this area encourages further interaction between visitors and intends to stimulate open and frank discussion.

the second room is set up as an art gallery

influenced by the work of japanese architect shigeru ban, the structure is made from cardboard tubes that form a rectangular canopy. the tubes serve as a metaphor for society’s transient nature, and represent how fragile living together in a community can be — especially without a set of fundamental values accepted by all.

faux concrete textures give the room an austere and monumental atmosphere

all sections comprise multimedia exhibits, filmed interviews, and video installations that present topics for discussion, including: casual racism, the debate on population genetics, returning stolen cultural assets, and the challenges of a post-migrant society. ‘racism. the invention of human races’ remains on view at deutsches hygiene museum dresden until january 6, 2019.

the artwork confiscated and defamed by the national socialist party has been put on display