With unlimited creativity, the artists approach topics such as globalisation, emancipation and migration. They imagine new worlds and draw inspiration from their history, heritage, folklore and spiritual traditions. For example, the work of Yinka Shonibare and Sanford Biggers refer to colonial ideologies by blending European and African artistic traditions. They reverse the roles and point us to the Eurocentric mindset that still dominates the public opinion on African art.
Mariam Abouzid Souali's work 'The Dream of Restitution', which is also used as the campaign image of this exhibition, conveys a message of strength and political resistance. This work refers to the legendary image of African-American athletes Tommy Smith and John Carlos with their fists in the air at the 1968 Mexico Olympics, symbolising the fight against racism.
Other artists provide a wide range of perspectives on the impact of colonialism and how it relates to current societal issues around the world. Through their work, Ibrahim Mahama, Sammy Baloji and Cercle d'Art des Travailleurs de Plantation Congolaises (CATPC) shine light on the devastating impact of colonial exploitation, leading the viewer to reflect on the global challenges we face today.
The artists capture their personal experiences with technical virtuosity. For instance, Cuban artist Belkis Ayón challenged the 20th century patriarchy in Cuba through her now world-famous graphic work. These masterpieces from the collection of the Wereldmuseum are combined with work by Marie-claire Messouma Manlanbien, who visualises alternative forms of contemporary womanhood.
Showing these and many other artists, In Brilliant Light demonstrates the power, diversity and creativity of contemporary art from Africa and its diaspora. The artists in the exhibition each relate to their cultural history in uniquely different ways, while creating new perspectives on both the past and the future.
Credit header: Mariam Abouzid Souali; The Dream of Restitution - © Gregory Copitet
