NO APOLOGIES
The Acacias Art Center hosted Kenny Dunkan's "No Apologies" exhibition in October 2021. This marked the first Reiffers Art Initiatives mentorship program exhibition under the mentorship of American artist Rashid Johnson.
Reiffers Art Initiatives, an endowment fund for young contemporary creation and cultural diversity, opened the inaugural exhibition of its mentorship program “NO APOLOGIES” at the Acacias Art Center in October 2021. The exhibition featured work by French artist Kenny Dunkan, under the mentorship of world-renowned artist Rashid Johnson.
“I have too often apologized to myself for being who I am," says the artist. “Because of my skin color, my sexuality...Today, I don't want to apologize for being the person I am anymore." - Kenny Dunkan.
"NO APOLOGIES" delved into the artist's thoughts on his Caribbean heritage. Each installation formed a microclimate, drawing on the cultural richness of Guadeloupe ౼ from the aesthetic and symbolic power of carnival to mythologies and magical and religious beliefs. It also served as a platform for Kenny Dunkan to discuss the post-colonial heritage of his island. The body itself, a recurring theme for the artist, who never hesitates to use his own black body, was also at the heart of the collection: a fragmented body, diverse and in the making.
The title "NO APOLOGIES" ("no excuses") is the artist’s way of adressing the current violence against bodies, whether black, gay, and his refusal to excuse these actions.
NO APOLOGIES is the inaugural programme of the Reiffers Art Initiatives mentorship with the support of Mazarine, La Mode en Images and the Acacias Art Center. Kenny Dunkan, the first artist to receive the award, has continued an in-depth dialogue with his mentor Rashid Johnson. Nourished by his exchanges and the advice of the famous Afro-American artist, Kenny Dunkan has proposed an exhibition at the opening of FIAC 2021 in the form of an initiatory journey through monumental and immersive installations, sculptures, videos and photographs, recounted in this exceptional book, which bears witness to a unique creative epic.
Reiffers Art Initiatives is a foundation created to support young contemporary creation and cultural diversity.
Reiffers Art Initiatives’ mission is to support France’s new art scene and give it international visibility. It finances and gives exposure to thirty emerging artists every year, who will influence tomorrow’s contemporary art scene.
Monumenta
Mazarine once again put the spotlight on contemporary art and design by supporting 2016 Monumenta – Huang Yong Ping, Empires – at the Grand Palais.
Mazarine's commitment to increasing the visibility of the art scene around the world is central to its corporate culture.
MARANTZ
Marantz introduces its launch campaign for its CINEMA product line entitled "Sound For What You See", designed and produced by Mazarine New York.
The campaign combines luxury craftsmanship with state-of-the-art audio to reveal a redefined cinematic sound.
For the launch of the new CINEMA product line, Oscar-winning composer Max Richter has taken on the role of global brand ambassador.
