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| A sketch made with a ballpoint pen on the pages of a recycled old textbook. |
There is an ongoing exhibition worth experiencing at the National Museum of African Art (950 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20560, United States of America).
The exhibition’s titled ‘I Am…Contemporary Women Artists of Africa’, is focused on addressing some of the issues affecting contemporary women from the continent of Africa (in my opinion; the trials and contributions of the African woman is relatively different after taking into consideration, the customs, religion, economic and political atmosphere of different parts of the continent). The theme of the exhibition was inspired by the 1970’s feminist anthem, "I Am Woman" written by Helen Reddy and Ray Burton of Australia. The 30 artworks would be accessible to the public at the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art until June of next year (2020). The exhibition constitutes 30 artworks by 30 renounced modern artists from 10 countries (Nigeria, Kenya, Senegal, Egypt, Ethiopia, South Africa, Namibia, Malawi, Morocco, and Mozambique).
One of the exciting features of this exhibition is that; it comprises of all-female living-artist of African descent (many have resided on the continent and still do). So you “hear it from the horse’s mouth” (feel the messages that these women intend on giving, as expressed by themselves). Our mother; Nike Okundaye would grace the occasion with some of her mix media masterpieces (she is most known for her traditional textile dying and is the most influential indigenous propagators of Nigeria art on an international scale). Toyin Odutola (the ballpoint pen artist) is among the artist of interest on display. Curator: Karen E. Milbourne.
Some of the prominent artists that are participating are listed below in no particular order:
Chief Nike Okundaye
Toyin Odutola
Njideka Akunyili Crosby
Billie Zangewa
Patience Torlowei
Aida Muluneh
Zanele Muholi
Magdalene Anyango N. Odundo
Ghada Amer
Batoul S’Himi
Adejoke Tugbiyele
Frances Goodman
Wangechi Muti
Nompumelelo Ngoma
Mwangi Hutter
Penny Siopis
Susanne Wenger (Olorisha Adunni)
Zanele Muholi
Senzeni Marasela,
Naz Gool-Ebrahim
Helga Kohl
Sokari Douglas Camp
Wangechi Mutu
Ladi Kwali
Etiyé Dimma Poulsen
Mmakgabo Mmapula Helen Sebidi
Bertina Lopes
Sue Williamson
Maïmouna Guerresi
Diane Victor
Here is a video of the affirmative song to which the theme of the exhibition was inspired by:
Sources:
Smithsonian National Museum of African Art: https://africa.si.edu/exhibitions/current-exhibitions/i-am/
The National Museum of African Art has doubled its holdings of art by women. This show puts their work in the spotlight: https://www.washingtonpost.com/goingoutguide/museums/the-national-museum-of-african-art-has-doubled-its-holdings-of-art-by-women-this-show-puts-their-work-in-the-spotlight/2019/07/18/19354bea-a58b-11e9-b732-41a79c2551bf_story.html
