The work of Dineo Seshee Bopape (Polokwane, South Africa, 1981; lives and works in Johannesburg) is characterized by the use of organic and strongly symbolic materials that refer to the concepts of memory, identity and belonging. The earth is one of the most recognizable elements of his language, which mixed and worked with other substances such as coal, ash, clay, gives life to environmental installations . Starting from his own experience linked to his country of origin, South Africa, Seshee Bopape weaves narratives that investigate archetypes and mythologies in which the female figure plays a central role.

Combining digital and analog aesthetics, his work incorporates different media - such as sculpture, drawing, video and sound - in a poetic approach that finds its origins in matter. The exhibition at Pirelli HangarBicocca, the first solo show of the artist in an Italian institution, will present a large body of works and new productions by Seshee Bopape placing the visitor within a rich constellation of historical references and different geographical contexts. The project will explore themes and subjects at the center of the artist's practice ranging from the relationships between ritual, spirituality and nature, to reflections on traditional healing practices and forms of political resistance.

Several international institutions have hosted solo exhibitions by Dineo Seshee Bopape, including the Institute for Contemporary Art at Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond (2021); Kunsthalle Bielefeld, Witte de With Center for Contemporary Art, Rotterdam, Darling Foundry, Montreal (2017); Art in General, New York, Palais de Tokyo, Paris (2016); Hayward Gallery Project Space, London (2015); August House, Johannesburg (2014). In 2019 she was among the artists to represent South Africa at the 58th Venice Biennale. In addition, it has participated in important exhibitions, such as Prospect New Orleans (2021); Busan Biennale (2020); Berlin Biennial for Contemporary Art (2018); Sharjah Biennale (2017); Marrakech Biennale, Bienal de São Paulo, Montreal Biennale, SeMA Media City Seoul (2016); Biennale de Lyon (2013) and is among the artists invited to the Sydney Biennale in 2022. Dineo Seshee Bopape received the Artes Mundi award in 2021, the Future Generation Prize and the Sharjah Biennial 13 Prize in 2017. accompanied by the first monograph dedicated to the artist. The volume will contain critical contributions from international art historians and theorists, as well as extensive documentation of the exhibition project.