This November, Johannesburg’s Keyes Art Mile will become a hub of creativity and cultural reflection with the opening of The AFRICA SALON. Running from 7 November 2024, this exhibition will be an immersive exhibition of contemporary African art, featuring works from 14 artists across six African countries. Presented by Madlozi Contemporary Art, the exhibition explores themes that are deeply relevant to the African experience, inviting visitors into a celebration of the collective African identity, culture, and creativite spirit.
If you’re a lover of contemporary art and culture, or you’re eager to learn more about the exciting artistic talents emerging from the continent, The AFRICA SALON is a programme you won’t want to miss.
The AFRICA SALON is a thoughtfully curated group exhibition that reflects Africa’s artistic pulse. It brings together award-winning and emerging talents who explore themes of identity, tradition, modernity, spirituality, and social justice. The 14 featured artists, including names like Nandipha Jantjies, Silas Abrifor, and George Masarira, explore these complex themes through a range of mediums – from painting and photography to performance art – to express both personal and collective experiences of being African. Each piece invites viewers to reflect on the complexities of African identity.
The artworks engage with the continent’s tumultuous histories and sacred traditions, while confronting the social, political, and environmental challenges of the present. From celebrating ancestry to questioning oppressive traditions, these artists create a nuanced dialogue that resonates far beyond gallery walls.
At the heart of The AFRICA SALON is an important mission: reframing Africa through the eyes of its own people. This exhibition echoes the legacy of Africa Remix, the landmark 2004 international exhibition that showcased African art to global audiences. Like its predecessor, The AFRICA SALON aims to challenge outdated, colonial perspectives of Africa. Instead of relying on external narratives, it places African voices and experiences at the centre of the conversation.
Curated by Beathur Mgoza Baker, founder of Madlozi Contemporary Art, the exhibition provides an intimate setting for reflection and conversation. It invites visitors into the ‘salon’: a symbolic space of exchange and intellectual engagement, where participants can connect with the artworks, the artists, and each other.
Beyond the exhibition, The AFRICA SALON offers a series of dynamic events designed to engage the public to heighten the exhibition experience. These events will run from November to December and include artist talks, live performances, and networking mixers. Whether you’re an art collector, a creative professional, or someone eager to explore new ideas, these events offer something for everyone.
Some key highlights include:
– Art Collectors Spring Brunch & Mixer (November 9th): This brunch is a must for collectors and art lovers alike. Hosted by ART STOKVEL, it’s a chance to meet some of the artists in the exhibition while enjoying a relaxed social environment.
– Live-Art Performance by Neo Theku (November 9th): South African artist Neo Theku will present a powerful performance titled O Kae Ntatao (Where Is Your Father?), which explores masculinity and cultural identity in a way that is sure to provoke thought and conversation.
– Guided Artist Walkabouts (November 9th and 16th): These interactive tours, led by participating artists such as Nandipha Jantjies and George Masarira, will provide insight into the creative processes behind the artworks.
– Africa Sound Box & Zine Scene (November 30th): For those interested in music and zine culture, this event is a chance to dive into the sounds and independent publishing scene of Africa.
One of the exhibition’s most compelling aspects is its forward-thinking vision of a “borderless and prosperous Africa.” The artists in The AFRICA SALON represent diverse cultural and geographic backgrounds, but their work collectively points to a shared ideal for the continent. By embracing the possibilities of digital culture, global communication, and artistic collaboration, these artists envision an Africa that is interconnected, creative, and free from the constraints of colonial legacies.
Through these works, the artists call for activism around issues of climate justice, gender identity, and political freedom, while celebrating the richness and diversity of African cultures. The exhibition is a powerful reminder that Africa is not a monolith but a vibrant tapestry of voices and experiences.
The AFRICA SALON is an invitation to engage with the future of African art and culture. Whether you’re a seasoned art enthusiast or new to the world of contemporary African art, the exhibition offers a unique opportunity to explore fresh perspectives, challenge assumptions, and immerse yourself in the creativity of a continent that is shaping the global cultural conversation.
With a rich lineup of events, insightful artworks, and the opportunity to interact with leading voices in African art, this exhibition promises to be an unforgettable experience. So, mark your calendars, gather your friends, and head to Keyes Art Mile this November for an inspiring celebration of African creativity.
The AFRICA SALON opens on 7 November 2024, and runs through December at Keyes Art Mile, Rosebank, Johannesburg. Be part of this extraordinary event and experience the future of contemporary African art.
