SUWER: Senegal Through Glass - A Journey into Senegalese Art and Culture

This exhibition showcases 'Suwer,' a unique Senegalese glass painting art form born from materials of survival. It explores the country's beliefs, values, and customs through fresh, accessible imagery, highlighting its role in cultural identity and resistance against colonial influence.

The exhibition "SUWER. Senegal a través del cristal." delves into the contemporary Senegalese art form of Suwer painting, a unique practice that emerged over half a century ago during the country's decolonization as an art of survival. Artists utilized discarded window glass as canvases, applying acrylic paints to create vivid imagery. This exhibition highlights how Suwer, initially a means of resistance and transmission of local narratives against colonial cultural imposition, has evolved into a recognized international art form that continues to express the essence of Senegalese identity. Through the accessible language and imagery of Suwer art, the exhibition invites visitors to explore Senegal's inner world, examining its animist beliefs, the influence of Islam, mythical narratives, and the dynamics of village and urban life. The collection is drawn from the extensive holdings of Luis Temboury, who has been a long-time appreciator and collector of this art form, selecting notable works acquired directly from artists in Dakar. The exhibition is further enriched by the anthropological insights of Youssoupha Sock, offering a dual perspective from both the artistic creation and the societal context that informs the painted scenes and their meanings. This display provides a rare opportunity to appreciate Suwer painting, a facet of Senegalese culture not widely known in Spain, in a specially curated setting.

Entry is combined with the permanent exhibition. Visitors are encouraged to take free postcards featuring artwork images available at the entrance to the Suwer cabinet.