Museum Arnhem presents ‘Mapping Colonial History #2’, by Sithabile Mlotshwa, on display until July 22nd.

Sithabile Mlotshwa, born in Zimbabwe in 1975 and based in the Netherlands, is an acclaimed visual artist and independent curator. She has received multiple grants, including the EKWC Artist Residency Grant and the Mondriaan Fonds Grant for projects exploring colonial history and slavery, such as her work in Gelderland and at the Museum Arnhem. She is also the Thamgidi Foundation’s founding director and IFAA Art Platform’s artistic director. Her works are internationally recognized and featured in collections such as the Kelvingrove Museums and Galleries in Glasgow.

‘Inheritance – Mapping Colonial History #2’ is part of the ongoing ‘Mapping Colonial History’ (MCH) initiative, an interdisciplinary project that investigates the extensive and lasting effects of colonialism, with a particular focus on the Dutch East and West India Companies. Starting six years ago, the MCH project has evolved from focusing on European trade routes to addressing African colonial histories alongside its European narratives.

The inaugural installment, ‘Mapping Colonial History #1’, was previously displayed at the Henry Tayali Gallery in Lusaka, Zambia.

The latest exhibition, ‘Inheritance – Mapping Colonial History #2’, examines the Dutch involvement in slavery and the slave trade across various continents. It highlights the seldom-told stories of enslaved people within the territories of the WIC and VOC, and their connections to heirs in Gelderland. This exhibition is offered free of charge at the museum’s De Koepel.

Museum Arnhem lives by its motto “art to people: from the heart,” showcasing an extensive array of contemporary art, magic realism, neorealism, fashion, and jewellery, reflecting its dedication to diversity and uniqueness in its collections.

Sources: Museum Arnhem, Sithabile Art Projects