The highly anticipated MANIFEST Exhibition took place in Nantes from September 19th to October 6th, 2024, marking the culmination of two years of collaborative efforts across Europe.  Over 2,000 visitors, and more than 200 young students, attended the exhibition, immersing themselves in a profound journey through history, memory, and cutting-edge technology.

This landmark exhibition presented a collection of 13 innovative artworks created by 22 international artists, offering fresh perspectives on the transatlantic trade of enslaved people. Through virtual and augmented reality, video, sound art, and more, the works provided an immersive and thought-provoking experience that invited viewers to engage with both individual and collective memories of the past.

A  Journey Through Memory, Art, and Technology

The MANIFEST Exhibition offered visitors the chance to explore the enduring impact of colonial history in new and powerful ways. From the Opening Event that brought together artists, partners, and consortium members, to the awe-inspiring artworks that filled the exhibition halls, every moment of MANIFEST resonated with its mission: to challenge traditional narratives surrounding the transatlantic enslaved trade.

The Opening Ceremony featured inspiring speeches from notable figures, including:

• Patricia Beauchamp-Afadé, Exhibition Coordinator
• Stefanie Thomas Gilbert-Roberts, Project Partner and Co-Conceptualizer (CUMEDIAE)
• Oliver Château, Deputy Mayor of Nantes, responsible for Heritage
• Coralie De Souza Vernay, Program Manager for Research and Heritage (Foundation for the Memory of Slavery)
• Anne Gérard, Regional Director of Cultural Affairs for Pays de la Loire

These leaders emphasized the exhibition’s purpose of sparking deeper conversations about colonial histories and their lasting influence on contemporary society. Attendees were also treated to live performances that enriched the experience, making the opening night unforgettable.

Powerful Artworks that Challenge Perspectives

The 13 artworks on display offered diverse perspectives, confronting difficult historical truths while using technology to bridge the past with the present.

Some pieces amplified the voices of underrepresented individuals, bringing to life both known and unknown figures from history, and honouring the resilience of the enslaved. These stories resonate today, providing symbolic power for contemporary times.

Other works explored the environmental consequences of colonialism and proposed sustainable futures, inspired by the wisdom of ancient traditions. Additionally, pieces examined the ongoing effects of forced displacement and the influence of the African diaspora in today’s world.

Several works critically deconstructed symbols and narratives of colonisation, using audiovisual essays, sound sculptures, and poetic expressions to challenge softened interpretations of capitalist modernity. By interrogating fictionalised representations of colonial history, these pieces urge us to envision a more decolonized future.

Reflecting on the Past, Envisioning the Future

The MANIFEST Exhibition not only reflected on the atrocities of the past but also sparked crucial conversations about the present and future. It encouraged viewers to reimagine history through art, innovation, and shared memory, offering a unique opportunity to experience history in a transformative way.

The MANIFEST team is deeply grateful to all who contributed to this extraordinary journey, from the talented artists and dedicated partners to the enthusiastic attendees who made the exhibition such a success.

As we reflect on the powerful stories told through MANIFEST, we invite you to continue exploring and questioning the ways in which history shapes our present and future.

Stay connected with MANIFEST, and let’s continue the journey towards a deeper understanding of our shared past.