Black Art Matters: Africa Forecast

Posted on by kelley

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I’ve been super lazy with the photo sharing of all the beauty I’ve captured these last few months, but yesterday, my phone told me my storage was almost full.. so, you know why I’m here.

I visited Spelman for the second time this year. [It’s still dope.] I’m happy to say that the college frequently hosts interesting and thought provoking events and exhibitions not solely for students to enjoy, but the entire community. For free. Seriously, Black people, we are not lacking in the creative department! We have it on lock, actually. Whoop! And the arts are so necessary; they’re such a great outlet for self expression for the doer and a source of inspiration for the viewer. We need to foster and celebrate it.

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Contellations II, Constellations I, Constellations III – Lina Iris Viktor, 2016
The Spelman College Museum of Fine Art is proud to announce AFRICA FORECAST: Fashioning Contemporary Life, an original exhibition that will launch its 20th anniversary. The exhibition will position fashion through two overlapping perspectives: an ever-changing global marketplace and the unique ways that black women throughout the African Diaspora construct their lives. AFRICA FORECAST features work by black women artists and designers who shape, imagine, and redefine the impact of lifestyle in highly imaginative ways.
For the groundbreaking artists and designers in AFRICA FORECAST, style serves as endless inspiration for new approaches to dressing, social relationships, and activism. They stretch the boundaries of fashion’s influence in art and design, reflecting its ability to communicate complex social and cultural perspectives. As a result, the exhibition will encourage visitors to explore fashion’s changing shape in art and in their daily lives. AFRICA FORECAST will provide a dynamic snapshot of this global reflection on style through garments, photography, video, painting, and sculpture.
AFRICA FORECAST: Fashioning Contemporary Life is curated by Andrea Barnwell Brownlee, Ph.D. and Erika Dalya Massaquoi, Ph.D.
Madam Wokie, a fashion design company
Vanessa German
“Yanka” Marcia Cure, 2016
Nya Jei Salone [yes, those are safety pins]
designer: Mary Ann Kaikai
Amy Sherald
The Story of American Pictures – Vanessa German
Freeing herself was one thing, claiming ownership was another (red hair)- Amy Sherald, 2015
Zaneie Muholi
Stella & Aina – Ayana V. Jackson, 2016
The Dreamer – Billie Zanewa, 2016
Constellations, pure 24 karat gold, acrylic, gouache, print on matte canvas – Lina Iris Viktor
SELFPORTRAIT Ficus Carica – Zora Opoku
Zohra Opoku
Marie Antoinette is Dead – Fabiola Jean-Louis
The Blacks – Vanessa German
The Blacks (Alexius Diana)

If you’re interested, click on any photo above + take the time to learn about the exhibition and the artists.

Oh and the soundtrack was that new Solange. Unedited! Perfectly fitting. I kick myself for not hearing about Africa Forecast until its last week! And then I didn’t make time to see it until the last day! It was really my cup of tea with all that brown skin, colorfulness, Solange and fashion. Knowing so many young Black ladies will see themselves in art-in a positive light-puts a smile on my face.

It really was beautiful. My camera phone doesn’t do it justice, but I hope you enjoyed. As always, thanks for stopping by.

❤

45 thoughts on “Black Art Matters: Africa Forecast”

  3. Pingback: Black Art Matters: Africa Forecast – Black Girl Wondering and Praying…

  5. Absolutely stunning exhibits! I agree : black art is an excellent avenue for self expression. So many pearls of wisdom and ideas for a more humane society are embedded in the work of artists – but they are typically dismissed because we think only scholars/politicians can do that work. I am glad you see its value =D

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      1. I don’t completely know how myself. I think i told you before but your book needs to be coming soon. And you can start @’ing your articles/ post to some of these big magazines. Or start @’ing famous people that you think want to see black people doing big things. I want to do that, I’m just not into social media but I know that what I’m saying and writing needs to be heard and read by the people. They’ll hopefully read and like it, then give you a call or shot out. Bringing more energy your way.

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        1. That’s the thing, Cliff! I don’t even like people. In general. I can’t think of a way to sell myself without selling myself, if you know what I mean.

          If/When I figure it out, I’ll be giving you big big thanks.

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          1. “I don’t even like people. In general.” I’m laughing but I’m thinking about how trill you are for that! I’m glad you said it. I be trying to be nice. I don’t know if it’s working, but I be trying. No need to thank me. You put out exceptional work, that should be recognized. The credit goes to you.

            Liked by 1 person

          2. Thank you.There are just so many people faking it these days, whether it’s who they are or their intentions. So it’s like torture for me to deal.

            But I feel as if I’m wining already with readers like you.

            Liked by 1 person

          3. Wow! That’s how I’ve been feeling too. You’re about to shake your head at me, but I’m just now as in a month ago downloading the wordpress app. Extra late, I know. But I would rather deal with people that actually read, write and think critically than deal with any of these robots out here. Everybody that’s vibing on the same level must be feeling the same. Because I have been trying to make myself be out there with the robots but then I think about you and a few other people and be like I’m good!

            Liked by 1 person

          4. Ha! What if I told you I don’t have the app at all!? Well I don’t! I might if I get a new phone.. might not 🙂

            I’m just too old for small talk or celebrity gossip. I mean it’ll pop in here + there but a whole conversation? Nah. Cannot. Will not! I’m like you-let’s build, let’s reflect, let’s talk about real things that will mater in five years!

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          6. I know right! Too many people avoid the heavy, constructive conversations. There’s a quote I like by MLK Jr., something like “rarely do we find who men willingly engage in hard, solid thinking.” It still holds true. People don’t want to face all the ugly that’s been swept under the rug for centuries. The system is working perfectly to keep the herd complacent and distracted.

            Just be glad you have digital Kelley 😛

            Liked by 1 person

          11. omg I didn’t know you felt this way about people. I only like blog people (as if they aren’t real people lmao). I feel so close to you now *grabs a chair to sit closer to you* hah!

            Liked by 1 person

      2. I totally agree! You are the master of enlightenment lol. Maybe create a FB page that’s dedicated solely to these things? I don’t know – I know its tricky but give it some thought because its definitely worth it!

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  7. Black people are just SO dynamic and multi-talented that I can’t take it. WHO does it like us? Seriously…we are so innovative, strong, creative, expressive, resilient, and just beautiful beings!

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  8. Pingback: Black Art Matters: Africa Forecast — gray suede – Guinea Conakry Presidential Election 2020.

  12. That art exhibit looks amazing! There’s so much creativity that people don’t even know about. Going slightly off-topic, I don’t blame Benin, Nigeria, and Senegal for suing multiple European nations for getting their original art back.

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    1. That is one thing social media is good for: highlighting and bringing awareness to the little guys. Everyone gets some shine.
      And I agree. It’s crazy how people paint such a poor picture of African countries/Africa, yet steal all of her amazing resources, to this day!

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      1. That’s quite true. I’m all for supporting the smaller guys when it comes to art.

        I know, right? It’s so bogus how people do that to Africa let alone the diaspora. I’ve been researching African matters much more especially after checking out the works of Chiekh Anta Diop and getting my DNA results.

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creator. foodie. lover of books, beards, travel, fashion, black tea, critical thinkers + game changers