Janiva Ellis (b. 1987) utilizes and reconfigures a broad range of popular imagery and well-worn art historical motifs to stage dynamic scenes replete with shifting references that at once are humorous, insidious, and ambiguous. In her work, she explores the persistence of white supremacist myths built into dominant cultural narratives while demonstrating the contradictions and destruction left in their wake. Drawing from the tradition of figuration, she puts visibility, erasure, and survival up for debate. Her paintings oscillate between controlled precision and raw gesture, revealing inventive possibilities through their interpretation. Ellis will present a body of new paintings at Kunsthalle Basel, which will be her first institutional solo exhibition in Europe.
Janiva Ellis "Geneva"
This exhibition is available in
German
Opening hours
Content available online
Events in this museum
Event
Our Werkstatt turns into a stage! Join us for balmy summer evenings in the Kunsthalle Basel yard, as part of the Werkstatt Sessions, featuring live sound performances. 7–10 p.m. Werkstatt Sessions ...
Event
Experience the current exhibitions at lunchtime as part of museen basel's event series. Afterward, participants join a lively dialogue and enjoy a refreshing ice cream on the terrace of the Kunsthalle ...
Event
Every first Sunday of the month, the Kunsthalle Basel team conducts guided tours for all interested visitors through the current exhibitions. In German.
Event
Our Werkstatt turns into a stage! Join us for balmy summer evenings in the Kunsthalle Basel yard, as part of the Werkstatt Sessions, featuring live sound performances. 7–10 p.m. Werkstatt Sessions ...
Event
Curatorial Tour in German: Lena Katharina Reuter (Head of Exhibitions) leads all interested visitors on a guided tour through the exhibitions Geneva by Janiva Ellis and Alliance by Shuang Li. Please ...
Event
The Espresso Tour covers the essentials in just 20 minutes: a quick, sharp dive into the current exhibitions at Kunsthalle Basel. Finished off with an espresso. From 7:30 p.m., the Werkstatt Sessions ...
Event
Our Werkstatt turns into a stage! Join us for balmy summer evenings in the Kunsthalle Basel yard, as part of the Werkstatt Sessions, featuring live sound performances. 7–10 p.m. Werkstatt Sessions ...
Event
Kunsthalle Basel and Director Mohamed Almusibli warmly invite you to the opening of Gili Tali’s exhibition. The opening offers a unique opportunity to be among the first to experience the artist’s ...
Event
The Kunsttage Basel is a collective event for contemporary and modern art. From August 28 to 30, 2026, over 60 Basel institutions will present a joint program: www.kunsttagebasel.ch
Event
Curatorial Tour in German: Lena Katharina Reuter (Head of Exhibitions) leads all interested visitors on a guided tour through the exhibition Alliance by Shuang Li. Please note that the tours have a ...
Event
The Kunsttage Basel is a collective event for contemporary and modern art. From August 28 to 30, 2026, over 60 Basel institutions will present a joint program: www.kunsttagebasel.ch
Event
The Kunsttage Basel is a collective event for contemporary and modern art. From August 28 to 30, 2026, over 60 Basel institutions will present a joint program: www.kunsttagebasel.ch
Event
Culture under one roof: Kunsthalle Basel and S AM Schweizerisches Architekturmuseum are united not only by a common roof but also by their mutual enthusiasm for art, culture, and society. They unite ...
Event
Every first Sunday of the month, the Kunsthalle Basel team conducts guided tours for all interested visitors through the current exhibitions. In German.
Event
The evening invites everyone who would like to retake pen and paper to experience the exhibition Alliance by Shuang Li from a new perspective and exchange ideas with other passionate art enthusiasts.
Event
With a diverse program, Theaterplatz-Quartier is hosting the spectacular Theaterplatz-Fest for the last time this year. In addition to fascinating workshops, secret passages, and hidden spots, the ...
Event
In collaboration with Cordova, Kunsthalle Basel, and Director Mohamed Almusibli warmly invite everyone to the opening of Samuel Guerrero's Back Wall Project. The opening offers the opportunity to be ...
Event
The library evenings provide an opportunity for in-depth engagement with the unique holdings of the library of the Basler Kunstverein. Each evening focuses on a specific theme, transforming the ...
Event
The library evenings provide an opportunity for in-depth engagement with the unique holdings of the library of the Basler Kunstverein. Each evening focuses on a specific theme, transforming the ...
Event
Kunsthalle Basel and Director Mohamed Almusibli warmly invite you to the opening of Özgür Kar’s exhibition. The opening offers a unique opportunity to be among the first to experience the artist’s ...
Event
The library evenings provide an opportunity for in-depth engagement with the unique holdings of the library of the Basler Kunstverein. Each evening focuses on a specific theme, transforming the ...
Event
Kunsthalle Basel and Director Mohamed Almusibli warmly invite everyone to the Regionale 27 exhibition opening.
Event
The library evenings provide an opportunity for in-depth engagement with the unique holdings of the library of the Basler Kunstverein. Each evening focuses on a specific theme, transforming the ...
Event
The library evenings provide an opportunity for in-depth engagement with the unique holdings of the library of the Basler Kunstverein. Each evening focuses on a specific theme, transforming the ...
