Coming to Joburg, then Cape Town and Rome as part of the Italian Cultural Institute's Italy, Cultures, Africa series, Wall Eyes is a group exhibition curated by Italian art historian and critic Ilaria Bernardi that sparks a dialogue between young Italian and African artists around common, shared themes. The exhibition includes artworks created by young Italian artists while in residency on the continent, as well as works created by Italian artists and artists from Africa that focus on specific socio-cultural issues that are prevalent within their own communities. 

Taking inspiration from ancient Roman philosopher and writer Pliny the Elder's statement that “out of Africa, there is always something new” the exhibition seeks to reveal the ways in which Europe has been influenced by Africa and vice versa, with a 'wall-eyed' gaze that looks simultaneously at Italy and at Africa.

Featured artists include Cape Town-based Lhola Amira, Jared Ginsburg, Rodan Kane Hart, Bronwyn Katz, Jessica Webster and Neill Wright, and from Italy Rä di Martino, Silvia Giambrone, Andrea Mastrovito, Elena Mazzi, Luigi Presicce, Marta Roberti, Marinella Senatore, Eugenio Tibaldi, Gian Maria Tosatti and Luca Trevisani.

The exhibition opens on Thu oct 3 as part of the Keyes Thursdays party at Keyes Art Mile.