Amidst a complex and evolving debate, LOOTY, a groundbreaking initiative created by Chidi Nwaubani, emerges as a transformative response to the modern-day challenges faced by cultural heritage. LOOTY draws inspiration from non-Western traditions, with a particular focus on African societies that place immense value on oral narratives and intangible cultural heritage. These societies have long recognized that the essence of their history and identity cannot be solely encapsulated by physical objects, but rather by stories, rituals, and cultural practices passed down through generations. In this spirit, LOOTY seeks to reimagine how we engage with art and history, proposing a counter-narrative that challenges the very idea of what a museum should be.
LOOTY challenges the often Eurocentric narratives that dominate the art world and opens up new possibilities for what art can be and who gets to create it. This emphasis on inclusivity and diversity is a central tenet of LOOTY’s mission and speaks to the broader need for cultural representation in the arts.
Chair: Ozan Güngör
Biography
Chidi Nwaubani, the founder of LOOTY, is a visionary designer, artist and tech practitioner. His contributions have been recognised at the Venice Biennale Architecture 2023 and featured in BBC News, Reuters, and The New York Times, among other publications. As a member of Snapchat’s Lens Creator Network, Chidi experiments with XR/AR, sculpture and installations to redefine digital arts. LOOTY's genesis reflects Chidi’s vision to empower artists and reimagine ideas of memorialising history and culture. Chidi is a member of the African Futures Institute’s “Pinpoint,” an archive of the top 100+ innovative African and African diaspora practitioners created by Lesley Lokko. His insights contribute to the ongoing dialogue about the role of art, technology, and culture.
See also the installation • SA 'EY' AMA: To Commemorate at Atelier Mondial.