African Art Exhibition Celebrates Joy and Challenges Stereotypes

The Centre for Fine Arts of Brussels in Belgium has been hosting an all-African art exhibition, "When we see us: A century of black figuration in painting", from February 7 to August 10. The exhibition celebrates the joy of African art and challenges stereotypes and misconceptions about black societies.

The exhibition features works by 120 artists from 27 countries, with over 150 paintings on display. It was conceived and organised by Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa, with Koyo Kouoh and Tandazani Dhlakama as curators. Bozar director of exhibition Zoe Gray said the exhibition was adapted to Bozar to celebrate the power and political dimension of black joy.

The exhibition explores a broad range of artistic lineage, art schools, and movements, bringing together a myriad of artists and their practices in dialogue for the first time. It highlights the historic contexts of African and black existence, with the oldest artist in the exhibition born in 1886 and the youngest in 1999.

Through the works of the artists, the exhibition challenges stereotypes and misconceptions about black societies, highlighting the power of joy and celebrating the vibrancy and dignity of African cultures. The exhibition will move to Basal, Switzerland, and then Stockholm, Sweden, after its run in Brussels.

The exhibition features works by artists such as Zimbabwean Kudzanai-Violet Hwami and South African George Pemba, whose paintings showcase the beauty and diversity of African cultures.