As we are well into the second half of the year, artists and curators all over the continent have continued to curate and present amazing works. These works challenge contemporary art techniques, preservation, inclusivity, and African culture. From El Anatsui Hyundai Commission 2023 at the Tate Modern Museum, to the Ensemble showcase at the Palazzo Grassi, Venice Biennale 2024, these books celebrate the artistic practice whilst forging a new path for the future.
El Anatsui- Behind Red Moon, Hyundai Commision 2023, Osei Bonsu.
El Anatsui’s Behind The Red Moon celebrates the artists Hyundai Commission, 2023 at the Tate Modern Museum in London. The book features photographic images of the monumental sculptural installation installed and presented at the museum earlier this year. Taking you through a journey of entangled histories of slavery, migration, and trade, the book celebrates El Anatusi’s practice as an important factor of historical narratives like the Transatlantic slave trade. Moreover, the book forges a new path forward for reconciliation and acceptance.
Click here to get more details on the book.
A World In Common: Contemporary African Photography, 2023 –Emmanuel Iduma, Jennifer Bajorek, and Nomusa Makhabu
Curated by Osei Bonsu, the expansive exhibition brings together an extensive group of artists and writers who explore the change in representation of the continent since the inception of photography in 1840. Examining major themes of cultural heritage, restitution, spirituality, urbanization, and climate change, the book challenges historical perceptions of culture. Additionally, it challenges African history and identity as artists refocus the lens on themselves and their communities at large. Furthermore, it dismantles the connection between Africa, colonial history, and the lens by providing accurate representations of the people and the African land at large.
Somnyama Ngongoma, Hail the Dark Lioness Volume II Zanele Muholi, 2024
Zanele Muholi’s extensive work, Somnyama Ngongoma, is an important book that examines and questions the representation of black photographic archives. Using herself as the subject while referencing major points of South Africas’ history, Zanele intentionally darkens her skin tone in all her images. As an act of protest and activism, she thereby challenges the representation and perception of black bodies. The photographs are taken in different places all around the world, providing a more intimate representation of the ‘participants (in this case, Zanele’s experience) in different parts of the world. With over 60 works, this book is a celebration of our skin, experiences, and our beauty.
Click here to learn more about the collection.
Giants: Art from the Dean Collection of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys, 2024
The book features a broad collection of Black and African art from around the world. From Esther Mahlangu to Kehinde Wiley, it highlights the significance and impact of these artists. Additionally, it examines how Black figurative works are presented and perceived by the community.
The Dean Collection’s mission to ‘Collect, Protect, and Respect’ challenges collectors to value Black art. Featuring over 30 works from global Black artists, the collection highlights the crucial role of Black collectors in supporting the community.
Read more about the book here.
Ensemble – Julie Mehretu –Caroline Bourgeois
Ensemble by Julie Mehretu showcases over 50 works spanning 21 years. The exhibition opened at Palazzo Grassi, Venice, in March 2024, alongside the Pinault Collection. It also features sculptural works, film, poetry, and music, creating a unified dialogue. The exhibition critiques art criticism, and techniques, highlighting the importance of the creative community. Ensemble explores the significance of music, sculpture, and artworks in contemporary art criticism. The catalog will be available on Amazon by August 20th, 2024.
Click here to view the catalog.
These books ensure the continuity and preservation of African art techniques thereby inspiring the new generation of artists, curators, and collectors.
