The Phillips Collection presents ‘African Modernism in America, 1947-67’, on display until January 7, 2024.
‘African Modernism in America, 1947-67’ is a traveling exhibition that explores the artistic exchanges between African artists and American cultural scenes during the postwar period. The exhibition challenges conventional views of African art in the US and recognizes African artists as contemporary. The exhibition features over 70 artworks by 50 artists, reflecting the artistic innovation in Africa from the 1940s to the 1960s.
The exhibition is organized into four sections: “Art from Africa of Our Time”, “Modernism Within Africa”, “Modernism Between Africa and America”, and “The Politics of Selection”. The exhibition features works from Fisk University’s collection, including works from the Harmon Foundation. The exhibition acknowledges the contributions of renowned and emerging African and African-American artists to modernism.
The participating artists include Akinola Lasekan, D.L.K. Nnachy, Demas Nwoko, Elton C. Fax, Etso Clara Ugbodaga-Ngu, Iba N’Diaye, Ibrahim El-Salahi, Jacob Lawrence, James A. Porter, Jean Nakadulu Luvwezo, John Biggers, Justus D. Akeredolu, Ladi Kwali, Làmídì Olónàdé Fákéyę, Malangatana Ngwenya, Manyolo Estella Betty, Miranda Burney-Nicol, Mohammad Omer Khalil, Ndidi Dike, Papa Ibra Tall, Pilipili Mulongoy, Rekyaelimoo Njau, Rufus Ogundele, Sam Joseph Ntiro, Simon Okeke, Skunder Boghossian, Thomas Mukarobgwa, Uche Okeke, Viola Mariethia Wood, and William Henry Johnson, among others.
The Phillips Collection, founded by Duncan Phillips in 1921, houses over 5,000 modern and contemporary art pieces, offering education and community engagement programs.
Source: The Phillips Collection
