Baloji Augurism.

This Autumn, the MoMu Gallery will be transformed into a place of magical realism: the world of transdisciplinary artist Baloji.

Born in Lubumbashi in the Democratic Republic of Congo and based in Belgium, Baloji is a musician, poet, designer and filmmaker. His work confronts Congolese culture – the philosophy, rituals and traditional clothing – while also exploring its connection with European avant-garde and contemporary issues, shaping narratives about the complexity of identity.

Baloji has had synaesthesia for as long as he can remember, which makes him express himself in vivid colours, shapes and textures. In his creative imagination, things may first seem ordinary, but they soon reveal themselves as magical, blurring the lines between what is real and what is imagined.

Baloji, Peau de Chagrin x Bleu de Nuit, 2018 - Wearable head sculpture by Damselfrau, garment by Brandon Wen © Photo: Kristin-Lee MoolmanBaloji, Peau de Chagrin x Bleu de Nuit, 2018 © Photo: Kristin-Lee Moolman

Baloji, Peau de Chagrin x Bleu de Nuit, 2018 © Photo: Kristin-Lee Moolman

The exhibition is inspired by Augure (Omen), Baloji’s first feature film, award recipient at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival and the official Belgian entry for the 2024 Oscars. Augurism, is a site-specific project conceived by digging into Baloji’s past and contemporary archives of images, props, costumes and videos: it is about mending the past and dragging it into the present. The exhibition becomes a place to be physically and emotionally immersed in Baloji's universe.

Baloji’s practice is built on collaboration and dialogue with other artists and craftspeople. The exhibition celebrates his collaborations with such artists as Victor Harris and Jack Robertson, Big Chief and master designer of the Fi-Yi-Yi Mardi Grass Indians, London-based Norwegian artist Magnhild Kennedy or Damselfrau, artist and designer Ben Storms, as well as Brandon Wen, creative director at the fashion department of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp. 

Baloji Augurism. (c) MoMu Antwerp, Photo: Stany DederenBaloji Augurism. (c) MoMu Antwerp, Photo: Stany Dederen

Baloji Augurism. (c) MoMu Antwerp, Photo: Stany DederenBaloji Augurism. (c) MoMu Antwerp, Photo: Stany Dederen

Baloji Augurism. (c) MoMu Antwerp, Photo: Stany DederenBaloji Augurism. (c) MoMu Antwerp, Photo: Stany DederenBaloji Augurism. (c) MoMu Antwerp, Photo: Stany Dederen

Baloji Augurism. (c) MoMu Antwerp, Photo: Stany DederenBaloji Augurism. (c) MoMu Antwerp, Photo: Stany DederenBaloji Augurism. (c) MoMu Antwerp, Photo: Stany Dederen

Baloji Augurism. (c) MoMu Antwerp, Photo: Stany DederenBaloji Augurism. (c) MoMu Antwerp, Photo: Stany DederenBaloji Augurism. (c) MoMu Antwerp, Photo: Stany Dederen

Baloji Augurism. (c) MoMu Antwerp, Photo: Stany DederenBaloji Augurism. (c) MoMu Antwerp, Photo: Stany Dederen

Baloji Augurism. (c) MoMu Antwerp, Photo: Stany DederenBaloji Augurism. (c) MoMu Antwerp, Photo: Stany Dederen

In conjunction with the Baloji Augurism. exhibition, Baloji will curate a series of nocturnes at MoMu, on Saturday October 21st, Wednesday November 8th, 2023 and Thursday February 8th 2024.

Curators: Baloji, Elisa De Wyngaert
​Project manager: Rossana Miele
​Set and production design: Baloji, Eve Martin, Julie Motoi
​Set designer assistants: Emilie Nelis Culot, Aurelie Francois
​Costume design: Baloji, Elke Hoste
​Graphic design: Vrints-Kolsteren
​Photography: Kristin Lee-Moolman, Baloji
​Copper masks: Ben Storms, Baloji
​Textile masks: Magnhild Kennedy/Damselfrau, Baloji
​Black New Orleans garments: Victor Harris, Baloji 

PRACTICAL
​Baloji Augurism.
​from 21/10/2023 until 16/06/2024
​at MoMu - Fashion Museum Antwerp
​More info momu.be