Mawali—Taqsim: Improvisation as a Space and Technology of Humanity

36th Bienal de São Paulo

Forthcoming September 2025

Mawali—Taqsim: Improvisation as a Space and Technology of Humanity focuses on the rich cultural dynamics of taarab, which, beyond a musical rhythm, is understood as a framework of encounters and exchanges shaped by the confluence of influences in Tanzania and the Indian Ocean. This publication, which centers on the third Invocation for the 36th Bienal de São Paulo held in Zanzibar, examines how these interactions have fostered a vibrant cultural landscape, offering insights into the ways artistic practices and historical exchanges intertwine to create a tapestry of shared heritage and creativity. Echoing the complexities of Zanzibar’s history—a crossroads of African, Arabic, Asian, and European influences—this volume offers the possibility of reflecting on nuances and accents of humanity on an island that is a point of intersection of multiple cultures, philosophies, and sciences.

Contributions by Halda Mohamed Alkanaan, Mohamed Ameir Muombwa, Aisha Bakary (Hijab DJ), DCMA Young Stars Band, Keyna Eleison, Tryphon Evarist, Tanka Fonta, Anna Roberta Goetz, Mariam Hamdani, Mohamed Ilyas, Khamis Muhamed Juma, Siti Muharam, Thabit Omar Kiringe, Bonaventure Soh Bejeng Ndikung, Bernard Ntahondi, Thania Petersen, Rukia Ramadhani, Ajítenà Marco Scarassatti, Alya Sebti, Allan da Rosa, and Uwaridi Female Band.

This title is the third volume in a series of a series of four educational publications released on the occasion of the 36th Bienal de São Paulo – Not All Travellers Walk Roads – Of Humanity as Practice, curated by Prof. Dr. Bonaventure Soh Bejeng Ndikung, with co-curators Alya Sebti, Anna Roberta Goetz, Thiago de Paula Souza, co-curator at large Keyna Eleison, and strategy and communications advisor Henriette Gallus. Taking its cue from Afro-Brazilian poet Conceição Evaristo’s enigmatic poem, Da calma e do silênco [Of calm and silence], the Bienal aims to rethink humanity as a verb, a living practice, in a world that requires reimagining relationships, asymetries, and listening as the basis for coexistence.

Each title centers on one of the four Invocations—gatherings including poetry, music, performance, talks, lectures, and workshops—organized by the curatorial team in four cities (Marrakesh; Les Abymes, Guadeloupe; Zanzibar; and Tokyo) in the lead-up to the biennial exhibition. Conceived as reflective and interdisciplinary extensions of the exhibition, these publications assemble texts by researchers, artists, and critics to foster dialogues between artistic practices and contemporary critical thought, with a strong educational focus.

Educational Publication Vol. 1: Souffles: On Deep Listening and Active Reception

Educational Publication Vol. 2: Bigidi mè pa tonbé: Totter but Never Fall

Educational Publication Vol. 3: Mawali—Taqsim: Improvisation as a Space and Technology of Humanity

Educational Publication Vol. 4: Bukimi No Tani (不気味の谷): The Uncanny Valley – The Affectivity of the Humanoid