Tao Wang Pritzker Chair, Arts of Asia; Curator of Chinese Art; and Executive Director of Initiatives in Asia | Art Institute of Chicago
Tao Wang Pritzker Chair, Arts of Asia; Curator of Chinese Art; and Executive Director of Initiatives in Asia | Art Institute of Chicago
The Art Institute of Chicago has announced an upcoming exhibition titled "Project A Black Planet: The Art and Culture of Panafrica," which will be on display from December 15, 2024, to March 30, 2025. This exhibition marks the first major survey of Pan-Africanism's influence on art and culture. It features over 350 objects created by artists from Africa, North America, South America, and Europe, spanning from the 1920s to the present.
Pan-Africanism emerged around 1900 as a term for political movements advocating for self-determination and unity among people of African descent. The exhibition includes diverse mediums and genres such as fine art, popular culture, paintings, speeches, video art, record albums, and sculptural installations. It is organized around three key Pan-Africanist movements: Garveyism, Négritude, and Quilombismo.
Antawan I. Byrd, associate curator of Photography and Media at the Art Institute of Chicago and assistant professor of Art History at Northwestern University stated that while many are familiar with the Pan-African flag's colors as symbols of liberation and solidarity worldwide, "some visitors may be surprised to learn the extent to which the ideas behind that flag have inspired artists and communities for more than a century."
The exhibition is part of a series of events across Chicago involving nearly a dozen organizations. At the Art Institute itself, this exploration began with two installations focused on African history and cinema. Following these is "After the End of the World: Pictures from Panafrica," a photography show running until April 21, 2025.
Matthew S. Witkovsky expressed that working on this project has been a privilege due to its collaborative nature. He emphasized that "Pan-Africanism is multifaceted" and best explored through collaboration.
Accompanying the exhibition is a catalog published by the Art Institute designed by Polymode Studio. Adom Getachew highlighted that it offers an unprecedented analysis of Pan-Africanism’s cultural reach.
The exhibition is curated by Antawan I. Byrd; Elvira Dyangani Ose; Adom Getachew; and Matthew S. Witkovsky. Major support comes from various foundations including The Chauncey and Marion Deering McCormick Family Foundation and others.
Any views expressed in this exhibition do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
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