While I often find myself in a love-and-hate relationship with textile fabrics, perceiving them as redundant and repetitive at times, the works of Marcellina Akpojotor offer a refreshing perspective. They constitute a significant part of her ongoing research on generational legacies and the evolving nature of archives. Through the utilization of photographic materials and Ankara collages, her creations adeptly evoke memory and identity, serving as poignant reminders of our connections to the past. Marcellina in her studio. Image courtesy of Rele Gallery Instagram. Furthermore, on the 11th of A ..read more

In a significant turn of events, more than 1,000 pieces of African art, previously housed at taxpayer expense in a Harris County warehouse, are set to go up for auction. This collection, steeped in controversy and embroiled in years of legal disputes, has captured the interest of both art enthusiasts and legal observers. A collection of African art pieces stored at the Harris County Reed Road Warehouse. Photo- Melissa Phillip, Houston Chronicle Scheduled for Thursday, April 4, at 10 a.m., the auction will take place at 6464 Savoy Drive in Sharpstown, marking the culmination of a long and conte ..read more

The 36th Bienal de São Paulo, one of the most anticipated events in the global contemporary art scene, has announced the appointment of Bonaventure Soh Bejeng Ndikung as its chief curator. Bonaventure Soh Bejeng Ndikung (Photo Credits: Jana Edisonga / Fundação Bienal de São Paulo) Ndikung, a distinguished figure renowned for his innovative approach and interdisciplinary expertise, is set to steer the prestigious event scheduled for the second half of 2025. Born in 1977 in Yaoundé, Cameroon, Ndikung brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective to his new role. Ndikung’s groundbreaking ..read more

The National Gallery of Victoria has launched an 11-day schedule of more than 300 talks, tours, exhibitions, installations and workshops for the 2024 Melbourne Design Week which will run from the 23rd of May until the 2nd of June. Themed “Design the world you want” the 2024 design week will focus on energy as far as how design can champion new technologies in the transition to renewables, ethics in terms of how design can be guided by societal values, and ecology which speaks to how design can respond to the physical environment and the influence of nature. Tosin Oshinowo photographed for ..read more

Much can be said about the work of Nairobi-based artist and founder of Kamene Residency, Kaloki Nyamai. His expansive painting practice is dense in its materiality and elaborate in symbolic storytelling. Nyamai opens up worlds within worlds with his brushstrokes and threaded canvases. Using found material and delving into personal experience he builds confluences between social histories and selfhood, unity and diversity, violence and recovery, and nature and culture. Nyamai’s provocative works are on display at the James Cohan Gallery from March 28th to May 4th, 2024. Originally from Kitui, K ..read more

Goodman Gallery has announced the representation of the estate of late Ghanaian painter Atta Kwami, in partnership with London’s Beardsmore Gallery. Kwami, who lived and worked between the U.K. and his native Ghana until his death in 2021, was posthumously awarded the Maria Lassnig Prize the same year. A new solo exhibition of the artist’s work will be held at Goodman Gallery’s Cork Street location in London this May. Born in 1956, Kwami was a prolific creator whose work spanned large-scale public art commissions and solo exhibitions at renowned institutions such as the National Muse ..read more

“Ensemble” is the largest Julie Mehretu exhibition to date in Europe. Presented at Palazzo Grassi from the 17th of March 2024 until the 6th of January 2025, “Ensemble” is curated by Caroline Bourgeois, who is Chief Curator of the Pinault Collection, alongside Mehretu. The exhibition brings together a selection of more than fifty paintings and printmaking works that Mehretu has produced over the timespan of 25 years, including several paintings created between 2021-2024. Presented over two floors of Palazzo Grassi, the exhibition unites 17 works from the Pinault Collection, as well as loans fro ..read more

Dr. Uzodinma Iweala, after seven transformative years at the helm of The Africa Center, will step down from his role as CEO in December 2024. Uzodinma Iweala (Photo credits: The Africa Center) Under his leadership, the institution transitioned from a visual arts museum to an interdisciplinary center with an expanded mission, encompassing culture and policy programming aimed at reshaping narratives and fostering new opportunities for Africa and the Diaspora. Among Dr. Iweala’s notable achievements is the establishment of the “Future Africa Forum,” which pioneered the center’s interdisciplinary ..read more

Louvre Abu Dhabi, known for its commitment to fostering cultural exchange and showcasing diverse artistic voices, has announced a significant expansion of its prestigious Richard Mille Art Prize. For the first time, artists from North Africa will be eligible to compete for the coveted $60,000 prize. Louvre Abu Dhabi expands Richard Mille Art Prize (Image credits: Louvre Abu Dhabi) This move marks a deliberate effort by the museum to further embrace new territories and celebrate the richness of artistic expression across borders. The Richard Mille Art Prize, launched four years ago in the capit ..read more

The Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston unveiled a captivating installation titled “Lynloop” by South African artist Igshaan Adam, adorning the prestigious Sandra and Gerald Fineberg Art Wall at the entrance. Igshaan Adams, Lynloop, 2024. Installation view, Igshaan Adams, the Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston, 2024–25. (Photo credits: Mel Taing) This sprawling textile masterpiece delves into community histories, familial bonds, and spiritual roots within Adam’s heritage, reflecting on his upbringing in hypermasculine environments and post-Apartheid South Africa. Constructed from a dense h ..read more