Art
Washington's National Gallery of Art surveys five centuries of African influence on Western art – Art Newspaper
An exhibition exploring the cultural legacy of the African diaspora and the history of the transatlantic slave trade will open at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC this month. Having travelled from the Museu de Arte de São Paulo via the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston, Afro-Atlantic Histories aims to stimulate further discourse around the impact of the African diaspora on art history.
“The show demonstrates that the diasporic movement and migration of peoples of African descent have been integral to the development of the Western Hemisphere,” write the curators of the show, Kanitra Fletcher, Molly Donovan and Steven Nelson.
Dalton Paula’s Zeferina (2018) Collection MASP; © the artist
The exhibition also finds itself in conversation with a broad set of art historical legacies such as those concerning the representations of Black subjects across different mediums. The show’s robust showcase of Black portraiture—an ancient art form that is often overlooked within Western museum collections—is a source of pride for its curators, who pick out a few key examples: Dalton Paula’s striking portraits Zeferina and João de Deus Nascimento (2018), Zanele Muholi’s monumental Ntozahke II, (Parktown) (2016), and Don Miguel de Castro, Emissary of Kongo (around 1643) by an unknown Dutch artist.
Spanning art from the 17th to the 21st centuries, the exhibition bridges national borders, languages, cultures and histories, reflecting how these different colonial pasts have influenced artists working now. “We wanted to show how much of the past informs the works of today’s artists,” say the curators. “Radcliffe Bailey, Glenn Ligon, Kerry James Marshall, Zanele Muholi, Rosana Paulino, Paulo Nazareth, Kara Walker and so many others have created works that speak to the current moment, but they did so by looking back and beyond their immediate context, always amplifying historical events and figures that continue to resonate today.”
Rosina Becker do Valle’s Índio da floresta (Caboclo) [Indian from the Forest (Caboclo)] (1963) Collection MASP
The show also aims to add layers and nuance to what was often a violent history of displacement. “Afro-Atlantic Histories demonstrates that Black people have had complex, compelling histories across the globe despite traumatic experiences. It celebrates Black joy, love, beauty and creativity, [which is] not always seen in museums or the media, or studied in school,”
say the curators.
The exhibition will include work from 24 countries in Africa, the Americas, Caribbean and Europe, and feature wall texts in English and Spanish—translation being integral not only to the exhibition’s makeup but also to its curators’ commitment to embracing different registers and realities. “This multiplicity of perspectives is signalled in the titular word ‘histories’ from the Portuguese histórias, meaning open, plural and diverse stories,” the curators say. “Art can be instructive, a reminder of how humankind has or has not changed in many respects or how history can be recursive.”
• Afro-Atlantic Histories, National Gallery of Art, Washington, DC, 10 April-17 July
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Ukrainian sells art in Essex while stuck in a warzone BBC.com
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The Courtauld Gallery at Somerset House has reopened its doors to the public after a fire swept through the historic building in central London. While the gallery has resumed operations, the rest of the iconic site remains closed “until further notice.”
On Saturday, approximately 125 firefighters were called to the scene to battle the blaze, which sent smoke billowing across the city. Fortunately, the fire occurred in a part of the building not housing valuable artworks, and no injuries were reported. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire.
Despite the disruption, art lovers queued outside the gallery before it reopened at 10:00 BST on Sunday. One visitor expressed his relief, saying, “I was sad to see the fire, but I’m relieved the art is safe.”
The Clark family, visiting London from Washington state, USA, had a unique perspective on the incident. While sightseeing on the London Eye, they watched as firefighters tackled the flames. Paul Clark, accompanied by his wife Jiorgia and their four children, shared their concern for the safety of the artwork inside Somerset House. “It was sad to see,” Mr. Clark told the BBC. As a fan of Vincent Van Gogh, he was particularly relieved to learn that the painter’s famous Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear had not been affected by the fire.
Blaze in the West Wing
The fire broke out around midday on Saturday in the west wing of Somerset House, a section of the building primarily used for offices and storage. Jonathan Reekie, director of Somerset House Trust, assured the public that “no valuable artefacts or artworks” were located in that part of the building. By Sunday, fire engines were still stationed outside as investigations into the fire’s origin continued.
About Somerset House
Located on the Strand in central London, Somerset House is a prominent arts venue with a rich history dating back to the Georgian era. Built on the site of a former Tudor palace, the complex is known for its iconic courtyard and is home to the Courtauld Gallery. The gallery houses a prestigious collection from the Samuel Courtauld Trust, showcasing masterpieces from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Among the notable works are pieces by impressionist legends such as Edouard Manet, Claude Monet, Paul Cézanne, and Vincent Van Gogh.
Somerset House regularly hosts cultural exhibitions and public events, including its popular winter ice skating sessions in the courtyard. However, for now, the venue remains partially closed as authorities ensure the safety of the site following the fire.
Art lovers and the Somerset House community can take solace in knowing that the invaluable collection remains unharmed, and the Courtauld Gallery continues to welcome visitors, offering a reprieve amid the disruption.
Sudbury’s annual art and music festival is marking a significant milestone this year, celebrating its long-standing impact on the local cultural scene. The festival, which has grown from a small community event to a major celebration of creativity, brings together artists, musicians, and visitors from across the region for a weekend of vibrant performances and exhibitions.
The event features a diverse range of activities, from live music performances to art installations, workshops, and interactive exhibits that highlight both emerging and established talent. This year’s milestone celebration will also honor the festival’s history by showcasing some of the artists and performers who have contributed to its success over the years.
Organizers are excited to see how the festival has evolved, becoming a cornerstone of Sudbury’s cultural landscape. “This festival is a celebration of creativity, community, and the incredible talent we have here in Sudbury,” said one of the event’s coordinators. “It’s amazing to see how it has grown and the impact it continues to have on the arts community.”
With this year’s milestone celebration, the festival promises to be bigger and better than ever, with a full lineup of exciting events, workshops, and performances that will inspire and engage attendees of all ages.
The festival’s milestone is not just a reflection of its past success but a celebration of the continued vibrancy of Sudbury’s arts scene.
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