Les Sommes de Nous is a contemplative exploration of identity, moving beyond Western frameworks to reimagine our relationship with language, selfhood, and the intricate bonds between people and place. Over the course of a six month road trip, artist Lilah Benetti journeyed through Togo, Benin, Nigeria, Ghana, and Senegal, delving into the historical presence of gender non-conformity within traditional spiritual practices. At the same time, the work interrogates the complexities of contemporary political landscapes in these regions and examines the vital role of non-men in preserving and sustaining these traditions.

This experimental audiovisual piece invites the viewer into a personal and immersive visual archive. Through quiet moments of reflection, woven with intimate audio interviews, the work envisions individual presence as a gateway to a more equitable future—one that invites us to reimagine the role of the global diaspora in shaping new possibilities for collective liberation. It prompts us to consider the power of collaboration in fostering an inclusive and expansive future.

As the artist navigates these roads, they extend an invitation for viewers to join them in a deeply personal journey. Together, they ponder essential questions: How does the global diaspora contribute to this vision of freedom? How can we advocate for spaces that honor all voices? Ultimately, this work challenges us to reflect on a larger inquiry—what is the sum of us, and who remains excluded from this vital conversation?