From March 21 to June 14, 2026, the exhibition will be on display at the Haus der Kulturen der Welt (HKW) and will focus on the hitherto little-noticed role of African soldiers (tirailleurs) in the liberation of Europe and their significance for the post-war period. International artistic positions, new commissioned works, and archival materials open up historical and contemporary perspectives on memory, colonial interconnections, and their continuing relevance for the present and cultural practice.
Image above: Halida Boughriet, Les absents du décor ‘La femme au paon bleu’ (2018). Courtesy of the artist and ADAGP
On August 15, 2024, French President Emmanuel Macron invited the world to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Allied landing in Provence, which followed the invasion of Normandy and contributed decisively to the liberation of France and Europe from Nazi Germany. The ceremony drew attention to an often overlooked fact: the majority of the 250,000 soldiers of the so-called “Army B” were African soldiers who, according to Le Monde, “came from the colonies.” These young tirailleurs played an active role in the liberation of France, while many others from Africa, Asia, the Americas, Oceania, and beyond also played a decisive role in reshaping the future of Europe and its institutions. Nevertheless, their contribution has been systematically marginalized. Gestures of remembrance, such as inviting African heads of state to anniversaries, attempt to acknowledge their sacrifices. But the history of the tirailleurs remains politically appropriated, little researched, and largely unknown, especially in today’s Germany.
In 2026, the HKW aims to fill this gap with a wide-ranging program that examines the role of the tirailleurs in the liberation of France from Nazi Germany, their contribution to the liberation of Germany, and their influence on securing peace in Europe after 1945.
The exhibition features works by more than thirty international artists of different generations, including fourteen new commissioned works. It also presents archival materials, research findings from five art spaces and collectives, and film screenings. All of these contributions underscore the continuing relevance of the history of the Tirailleurs for artists, filmmakers, and cultural actors.
With works by
Kader Attia, Yassine Balbzioui, Kathleen Bomani, Halida Boughriet, Tiffany Chung, Binta Diaw, Godfried Donkor, Juan-Pedro Fabra Guemberena, Abrie Fourie, Othon Friesz, Pélagie Gbaguidi, Nadia Kaabi-Linke, Daniel Lind-Ramos, Anguezomo Nzé Mba Bikoro, Mónica de Miranda, Oscar Ngu Atanga, Tuấn Andrew Nguyễn, Josèfa Ntjam, Mario Pfeifer, Slavs and Tatars, El Hadji Sy, Pascale Marthine Tayou, Dior Thiam, Barthélémy Toguo, Félix Vallotton, Francisco Vidal, Hana Yoo.
Film program with contributions by
Rachid Bouchareb, Dalila Ennadre, Oumarou Ganda, Grégoire Georges-Picot, Idrissou Mora-Kpai, Kollo Daniel Sanou, Philip Scheffner, Ousmane Sembène & Thierno Faty Sow, Tony T. & Rebecca Goldstone, Futuru C.L. Tsai, Mathieu Vadepied.
WHEN?
Opening weekend: Friday, 20. March – Sunday, 22. March 2026
Exhibition dates: Saturday, 21. March until Sunday, 14. June 2026
WHERE?
Haus der Kulturen der Welt (HKW)
John-Foster-Dulles-Allee 10
10557 Berlin
COST?
Admission: EUR 8, reduced rate EUR 6
Free admission every Monday, every first Sunday of the month (April 5, May 3, and June 7), on the opening weekend (March 20–22), and on the closing weekend (June 13/14).
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