Summer has arrived in the Northern hemisphere and it is arguably the best time of year to enjoy the various offerings each city provides — architecture, parks, and undoubtedly the various museums and galleries. From iconic artists to rising stars, lesser known art movements and the celebration of African photography, this guide offers our picks on the ever-evolving landscape of contemporary art.
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Carrie Mae Weems: Reflections for Now at The Barbican.
Until 3 September 2023
This exhibition brings together three decades worth of photographs, films and installations by renowned American artist Carrie Mae Weems. Through her thought-provoking work, Weems delves into the complex narratives of race, gender, and identity. Her powerful photographs, videos, and installations capture the essence of social and cultural issues and challenge viewers to confront uncomfortable truths. With a keen eye for storytelling and aesthetics, Weems skillfully explored themes such as historical injustice, personal experiences, and the human condition. The exhibition offers a compelling and introspective journey, inviting visitors to engage with the profound layers of Weems' artistry and critically examine the societal constructs that shape our world today. The exhibition includes iconic works such as Kitchen Table Series (1990) and the film installation The Shape of Things (2021) focusing on the history of violence in the United States.
Woman and Daughter with makeup, from Kitchen Table Series (1990). © Carrie Mae Weems. Courtesy the artist; Jack Shainman Gallery; and Galerie Barbara Thumm
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A World in Common: Contemporary African Photography at Tate Modern, London.
Until 14 January 2024.
A World in Common: Contemporary African Photography is a captivating exhibition hosted at The Tate. Showcasing the diverse and vibrant perspectives of African photographers, the exhibition celebrates the rich tapestry of the continent's visual storytelling. Through a variety of captivating images, the artists explore themes of identity, culture, history, and social change. The exhibition presents a nuanced and multifaceted view of Africa, challenging stereotypes and providing a platform for underrepresented voices. With its compelling narratives and innovative techniques, A World in Common invites viewers to engage with the complexity and beauty of contemporary African photography, expanding their understanding of the continent's artistic landscape.
Aida Muluneh’s Star Shine Moon Glow. Image courtesy of the The Times
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The Casablanca Art School at Tate St Ives, Cornwall.
Until 14 January 2024.
This exhibition brings together the works of Moroccan artists who were part of a groundbreaking art movement in the 1960s and 1970s. The exhibition showcases the dynamic and experimental artworks created by these artists during a period of social and political transformation in Morocco. Through various mediums such as painting, sculpture, and photography, the exhibition explores themes of identity, tradition, and modernity. The exhibition offers a unique insight into the Casablanca Art School's significant contributions to contemporary Moroccan art and its influence on the broader artistic discourse. By presenting the works of artists such as Mohamed Chabâa, Farid Belkahia, and Mohamed Melehi, the exhibition demonstrates the profound impact of the Casablanca Art School on both local and international art communities. It celebrated the artists' pioneering spirit, their bold exploration of new forms and ideas, and their efforts to forge a distinct artistic identity for Morocco.
Mohamed Melehi, Untitled, 1983. Image courtesy of Tate Modern.
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Basquiat. The Modena Paintings at Fondation Beyeler, Basel.
Until 27 August 2023.
Jean-Michel Basquiat: The Modena Paintings is a compelling exhibition held at Fondation Beyeler in Basel. It showcases a remarkable collection of paintings created by the iconic artist during his stay in Modena, Italy. Basquiat's vibrant and expressive works revealed his distinctive fusion of street art, graffiti, and neo-expressionism. The exhibition offers an intimate glimpse into Basquiat's artistic process, showcasing his bold brushwork, symbolic imagery, and powerful social commentary. It provided a unique opportunity for visitors to delve into the mind of this influential artist, exploring his exploration of identity, race, and the complexities of the human experience.
Jean-Michel Basquiat, Untitled (Woman with Roman Torso [Venus]), 1982. Acrylic and oil stick on canvas. 241 x 419.7 cm. Image courtesy of Fondation Beyeler, Riehen.
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Lynette Yiadom-Boakye. No Twilight Too Mighty at Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, Spain.
Until 10 September 2023.
Lynette Yiadom-Boakye: No Twilight Too Mighty is a captivating exhibition held at the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain. The exhibition showcases the extraordinary works of British artist Lynette Yiadom-Boakye, known for her enigmatic and evocative figurative paintings. Through her masterful use of colour, composition, and brushwork, Yiadom-Boakye creates a world of captivating characters, each with their own narrative and presence. Her paintings celebrate the power of imagination and the complexity of human identity. With a striking blend of realism and abstraction, the exhibition invites viewers to contemplate the profound depths of her subjects and the nuances of the human spirit.
Installation view. Lynette Yiadom-Boakye. No Twilight Too Mighty at The Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao. Image courtesy of Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao.
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Ibrahim Mahama, TRANSFER(S) at Kunsthalle, Osnabrück.
Until 1 October 2023.
Ibrahim Mahama's exhibition, TRANSFER(S), opening at Kunsthalle in Germany, will be a thought-provoking and immersive experience. The Ghanaian artist's installation work will transform the gallery space into a captivating environment. Mahama's signature material, jute sacks, will envelope the walls, floors, and even objects, creating a visceral and tactile encounter for viewers. These repurposed materials, once used to transport goods, have become powerful symbols of labour, migration, and global trade. Through his work, Mahama explores themes of identity, exploitation, and the interconnectedness of economies. The exhibition urges visitors to confront the complexities of globalisation and consider the social, economic, and historical layers embedded within everyday objects and spaces especially in the host city of Osnabrück
Workshop at the former Galeria Kaufhof building in Osnabrück in conjunction with Ibrahim Mahama: TRANSFER(S), 2023. Image courtesy of the artist and Kunsthalle Osnabrück.
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New Photography 2023: Kelani Abass, Akinbode Akinbiyi, Yagazie Emezi, Amanda Iheme, Abraham Oghobase, Karl Ohiri, Logo Oluwamuyiwa at The Museum of Modern Art, New York City.
Until 16 September 2023.
New Photography 2023 presents the works of seven remarkable artists: Kelani Abass, Akinbode Akinbiyi, Yagazie Emezi, Amanda Iheme, Abraham Oghobase, Karl Ohiri, and Logo Oluwamuyiwa. This captivating exhibition showcases a diverse range of photographic perspectives and explores a multitude of themes and narratives. From Abass's introspective and poetic imagery to Akinbiyi's dynamic street photography, each artist offers a unique lens through which to view the world. Emezi, Iheme, Oghobase, Ohiri, and Oluwamuyiwa contribute their distinct voices, tackling subjects such as identity, culture, social justice, and personal stories. The exhibition highlights the power of photography as a medium for storytelling, sparking dialogue, and challenging established narratives. New Photography 2023 invites viewers to engage with these emerging talents and experience the rich and dynamic photographic landscape they have crafted.
Installation view of the exhibition New Photography 2023: Kelani Abass, Akinbode Akinbiyi, Yagazie Emezi, Amanda Iheme, Abraham Oghobase, Karl Ohiri, Logo Oluwamuyiwa. Image courtesy of MoMA
8. Amoako Boafo: Soul of Black Folks at the Seattle Art Museum, Seattle.
Until 10 September 2023.
Amoako Boafo: Soul of Black Folks at the Seattle Art Museum is a profoundly impactful exhibition that delves into the depths of Black identity and representation. Boafo's vibrant and emotive portraits capture the essence of Black lives with remarkable intimacy and sensitivity. Through his bold brushwork and rich colour palette, he explores the nuances of skin tones and the complexities of individuality. The exhibition not only showcases Boafo's exceptional technical skill but also serves as a powerful act of reclamation and celebration of Black humanity. Inspired in part by W.E.B. Du Bois’s seminal 1903 work, The Souls of Black Folk, the exhibition explores the concept of “double consciousness,” in which Black people must navigate their self-identity through the gaze of others. It challenges the historical underrepresentation and misrepresentation of Black people in art and society, presenting a diverse range of Black subjects with dignity and grace. Boafo's work is an assertion of the beauty, strength, and resilience of Black individuals, inviting viewers to reflect on their perceptions and biases. Soul of Black Folks is a compelling tribute to the multifaceted nature of Black identity and a call for greater inclusivity and representation in the art world.
Amoako Boafo, The Menu, 2020. Image courtesy of the Seattle Art Museum.
By Khumo Sebambo