Francis Offman: Weaving Stories – A Conceptual Painting Exhibition on Identity and Migration

This exhibition features the work of Francis Offman, exploring his unique conceptual approach to painting using coffee grounds. The exhibition delves into the artist's personal history, connecting his upbringing in Rwanda with his life in Italy, and examines themes of loss, migration, and the cultural significance of coffee.

The exhibition 'Weaving Stories' at the Secession presents the work of Francis Offman, an artist whose practice is deeply intertwined with the conceptual use of coffee grounds. The journey through Offman's art begins with the very material that adorns the entrance to the exhibition space – dried coffee grounds covering the walls, creating an immersive olfactory and tactile experience. Offman's work is a profound reflection on the artist's life, marked by his childhood in Rwanda, the genocide of 1994, and his subsequent migration to Italy. Coffee, a central element in his art, serves as a potent symbol connecting two disparate worlds: Italy's national identity steeped in coffee culture, and Rwanda's history with coffee cultivation rooted in colonial times. Offman's artistic process involves preparing coffee grounds with adhesive and primer to create abstract fields of color on canvas. He employs meticulous, almost old-master techniques, drawing from Italian art history, to create 'abstract paintings' that are rich in texture and materiality. His assemblages often extend beyond the canvas, emphasizing their tactile and spatial dimensions. While these works exhibit a lyrical spontaneity, they are the result of a time-consuming process aimed at preventing shrinkage and cracking. More than just formal explorations, Offman's art is charged with his biography and the complex histories of colonialism, making his paintings sacred objects that facilitate healing and transformation. The act of working with his hands, layering diverse materials such as bedding, clothing fragments, and gauze, allows him to engage with narratives of vulnerability, memory, and profound life questions, creating a visual language that resonates deeply.

Visitors can find ticketing information and purchase tickets via the provided link to the Secession's official ticketing partner. General information about visiting the Secession, including opening hours, is also available on their website. The exhibition takes place within the Secession building itself, suggesting that museum admission policies may apply or be integrated with exhibition entry. Further details regarding specific ticketing arrangements for this exhibition are available through the provided link.