In the years between 1956 and 1982, Africa was on the cusp of a new future as 45 nations transitioned from colonial rule to independence. Harnessing modern art as a vehicle for change, artists imagined a new vision of the continent. Freedom and Futures offers an artist-centered account of this hopeful and fragile time. As South African artist Selby Mvusi said, “It is only through the arts that Africa may speak in all her diversity and from all her different walks of life.”
Anchored in the landmark transnational congresses and festivals organized by Zimbabwe, Senegal, Algeria, Nigeria, and South Africa, Freedom and Futures explores how art became a showcase for emancipatory ideas. Selections from the modern art exhibitions at these historic gatherings—and key works from these countries—are assembled today for new audiences to present stories of national aspirations and global exchanges that shaped the outpouring of creativity in Africa and its diaspora. The exhibition also foregrounds the discoveries artists made as they forged new art rooted in the continent’s histories and artistic heritage, infused fresh ideas into art forms introduced by colonial powers, and embraced mediums dismissed as craft in the Western tradition.
With more than 250 objects spanning tapestry and textiles, beadwork, printmaking, painting, sculpture, photography, and film, the exhibition traces how artists gave form to the experience of decolonization. By experimenting with diverse techniques and mediums, they developed new approaches to abstraction and figuration, creating a revelatory art that was inseparable from the pursuit of political sovereignty and freedom.
Organized by Ugochukwu-Smooth C. Nzewi, The Steven and Lisa Tananbaum Curator, with Erica DiBenedetto, former Curatorial Associate, and Alma Chaouachi, Curatorial Assistant, Department of Painting and Sculpture.