ODE TO DIVERSITY group show, an open love letter from Paris
Take a look back at our Special Project ODE TO DIVERSITY, group show at KIFF&MARAIS presenting the work of Isaac BUJIRWA and Jonathan BAKENGA from Nexus collective held from 8-18 April 2025 in Paris. The group show ODE TO DIVERSITY also featured the work of 14 artists from Africa, the Caribbean and the diaspora.
ODE TO DIVERSITY, Paris 2025, Kiff&Marais, 17, rue des Gravilliers.
Last week, MAYÌ-ARTS had the pleasure of unveiling our special project ODE TO DIVERSITY — a unique group exhibition showcasing the work of 16 emerging and rising artists from Africa, the Caribbean, and the diasporas. The show was held in the heart of Paris at the vibrant and iconic KIFF&MARAIS gallery, founded and directed by Steve.
For one powerful week, we celebrated 16 singular voices, each with distinct origins, inspirations, and artistic paths, many evolving outside the conventional contemporary art circuit.
This collective project came to life in collaboration with a brilliant team of partners, the powerhouses behind the scenes:
Florence Andriani (ARTESSFLOW)
Céline Fatoux-Hagoye (HANG’ART AFRICA)
Ngaula MAFWATA (MAYÌ-ARTS)
Fadelle Ngoma-Miantama (GMF ARTS)
Ifedolapo Oniyoki (ARTFROFEST)
ODE TO DIVERSITY was also the occasion to introduce the powerful and thought-provoking work of Congolese artists Isaac BURJIWA and Jonathan BAKENGA, members of the NEXUS collective, founded in Goma in 2022. Envisioned as a hub of innovation blending art and technology, NEXUS promotes a sustainable and inclusive Art-Tech ecosystem where visual artists and engineers can collaborate, experiment, and thrive.
We are grateful to the many artists, art lovers, friends of the house, and collectors who came to experience the show. Your curiosity, conversations, and energy brought this edition to life from beginning to end.
Featured artists:
Abuchi IROEGBU, Andile BHALA, Anastasie LANGU, Jonathan BAKENGA, Betty NTONI, Clément GBEGNO, DIAFREL, Fatoumata DIABATE, Glory KANGA, Isaac BURJIWA, Isabelle DAJA, Karen KOUAME, MUYCO, OBODJE, Richard A. PIERRON, Youvensky DESPEIGNES.
