Illuminating Identity: A Celebration of African Artists in the Digital Era

Juried Exhibition | Exposition Avec Jury

Hosted by the Following Partners | Organisé par les partenaires suivants

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Department of Art and Art History - Colorado State University

This exhibition was organized by students in Art History and Electronic Art at Colorado State University. | Cette exposition a été organisée par des étudiants en histoire de l'art et en art électronique de l'Université d'État du Colorado.

Exhibition Concept: This collaborative exhibition is the result of a semester-long project developed by a collective of art and art history students from Colorado State University studying contemporary art and artists from the African continent. Our course of study challenged hegemonic perspectives that have historically positioned African artists and arts as “exotic” or “primitive,” while also critiquing the art historical usage of terms such as “traditional,” “contemporary,” and “African.” We wanted to create this exhibition to showcase how African artists utilize digital media to explore identity. We are extremely excited to feature the work of juried artists and to present digital arts from across the African continent and diaspora to in-person audiences in Fort Collins, Colorado, and Nkangala, South Africa, & across the web.

DESCRIPTION: As one of the first international collaborative exhibitions to solely highlight the works of African artists working in digital media, Illuminating Identity aims to break down stereotypes revolving around the African continent by showcasing African artists working in electronic media. The proposed theme of African identity is open to artists' personal interpretation, without any specific constraints. This juried exhibition will run from September 25, 2024 – December 15, 2024.

AWARDS: Two $300 prizes will be awarded through a juried and public vote held in person and online. Awards will be announced in October, 2024. ​​This is an in-person event that will also be accessible online through the exhibition website.

The Gregory Allicar Museum

Gregory Allicar Museum of Art invites individuals to engage with art and each other to inspire fresh perspectives and wonder. Always free and open to all, the museum is a catalyst for visual literacy and critical thinking that instills a passion for learning. .

The Kghodwana Cultural Village and Museum

The Cultural Village and Museum was established in November 1989 by the former KwaNdebele Government with a view to conserve and preserve the culture of IsiNdebele speaking people of South Africa The cultural village is situated in Nkangala region in the western part of Mpumalanga Province, where a branch of AmaNdebele settled.

The Africa Meets Africa Project

The Africa meets Africa Project explores the southern African cultural heritage in the belief that educators and learners in South African schools can find solutions to contemporary learning problems in the knowledge and skills contained in familiar forms of cultural expression around them.