La historia no se repite, pero rima: Dumile Feni's African Guernica in Dialogue with Picasso at Reina Sofía

This exhibition establishes a dialogue between Pablo Picasso's iconic 'Guernica' and significant works from different historical and cultural contexts, specifically featuring Dumile Feni's 'African Guernica' (1967). The display explores thematic and visual parallels, highlighting Feni's exploration of state violence and racial oppression under apartheid.

This new program at the Reina Sofía Museum, 'La historia no se repite, pero rima' (History does not repeat itself, but it rhymes), aims to foster a dialogue between Pablo Picasso's 'Guernica' (1937) and significant artworks that share thematic concerns or representational modes from diverse historical and cultural backgrounds. This inaugural installment presents Dumile Feni's 'African Guernica' (1967) alongside Picasso's masterpiece, marking the first time Feni's work has traveled abroad. Dumile Feni (1942–1991), a key figure in African modernity, created 'African Guernica' in the context of state violence and institutionalized racial oppression during South Africa's apartheid era. The drawing, rendered in charcoal, echoes Picasso's work not only in title but also in its visual language, employing simplification and distortion of figures, monochromatic tones, dramatic lighting, and fragmented spatial representation, including fusions of human and animal forms. Both works utilize monumental scale to emphasize the inherent violence of war, discrimination, and oppression. While Feni's 'African Guernica' has been frequently exhibited in South Africa, its presentation at the Reina Sofía alongside Picasso's work invites contemplation on the similarities and differences between these powerful anti-war statements created in distinct historical moments and geopolitical settings. The exhibition is part of a cycle of interventions in the Reina Sofía's collection that juxtapose equivalents to 'Guernica' from different eras or regions, supported by art historical scholarship.

Visitor information regarding ticketing can be found via the provided link to the museum's official ticketing portal. Further details on admission to this specific exhibition may be available on the museum's website or at the point of entry.