Soloviev Foundation Gallery Presents African Diasporic Art Exhibition Challenging Colonial Narratives
The Soloviev Foundation Gallery is presenting an exhibition titled 'Between Distance and Desire: African Diasporic Perspectives' curated by Tumelo Mosaka. Located at 9 West 57th Street in New York City, the show features eight contemporary artists alongside traditional works from the Foundation's collection and will remain on view through December 31, 2025. The exhibition aims to reconsider conventional understandings of African art by addressing colonial frameworks that have historically influenced its perception. Through various artistic approaches including figurative painting, assemblage, monumental sculpture, and performance, the participating creators employ elements of play and imagination to propose new interpretations of Black aesthetics across different time periods. The display includes unconventional presentations such as masks arranged as interactive ensembles and objects shown within their shipping containers to emphasize aspects of art history often neglected. Stefan Soloviev, principal of The Soloviev Foundation, stated that the gallery seeks to promote discussions that question established historical accounts and enhance appreciation for artistic traditions connected to African diaspora communities. The exhibition also engages with current social challenges affecting Africa including urban development, environmental concerns, gender disparities, and neocolonial influences. Guided tours are available by reservation through the gallery's website.
Key facts
- Exhibition title: Between Distance and Desire: African Diasporic Perspectives
- Curator: Tumelo Mosaka, independent curator and Mellon Arts Project Director at Columbia University
- Location: Soloviev Foundation Gallery, 9 West 57th Street, New York
- Dates: Through December 31, 2025
- Participating artists: Edson Chagas, Kim Dacres, vanessa german, Eblin Grueso, Emmanuel Massillon, Zizipho Poswa, Robert Pruitt, Nyugen E. Smith
- Includes traditional works from Bamana, Baule, Dan, Djimini, Dogon, Ekoi, Fang, Guro, Kota, Lega, Luba, Songye, and We-Wobe peoples
- Exhibition challenges colonial frameworks in African art history
- Features unconventional displays including masks as ensembles and objects in shipping crates
Entities
Artists
- Edson Chagas
- Kim Dacres
- vanessa german
- Eblin Grueso
- Emmanuel Massillon
- Zizipho Poswa
- Robert Pruitt
- Nyugen E. Smith
Institutions
- Soloviev Foundation Gallery
- The Soloviev Foundation
- Soloviev Group
- Columbia University
Locations
- New York City
- 9 West 57th Street