ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Avant-Garde and Liberation: Decolonial Modernism at MUMOK

exhibition · 2026-04-26

In Vienna, the Museum Moderner Kunst Stiftung Ludwig Wien (MUMOK) is hosting "Avant-Garde and Liberation. Contemporary Art and Decolonial Modernism," which delves into the role of non-European avant-gardes during the decolonization process. The exhibition features over twenty-five artists from regions including South Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas, utilizing diverse media to confront issues of contemporary racism and neocolonialism. It emphasizes decolonial modernist movements spanning from the early 20th century to the 1970s, showcasing art that often goes unnoticed yet is rich in themes of resistance. Notable artists include Atul Dodiya and Vivan Sundaram from India, along with US artists Fahamu Pecou, Leslie Hewitt, and Cauleen Smith, as well as North African artists Mohamed Bourouissa and Yto Barrada. Curated by Niccolò Lucarelli, the exhibition will be open until September 22, 2024.

Key facts

  • Exhibition at MUMOK in Vienna
  • Title: Avant-Garde and Liberation. Contemporary Art and Decolonial Modernism
  • Over 25 artists from South Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas
  • Covers period from early 20th century to 1970s
  • Features painting, photography, installation, video, textiles
  • Runs until September 22, 2024
  • Curated by Niccolò Lucarelli
  • Includes artists: Vivan Sundaram, Atul Dodiya, Ramkinkar Baij, Fahamu Pecou, Leslie Hewitt, Cauleen Smith, Mohamed Bourouissa, Yto Barrada, Saloua Raouda Choucair, Omar Ba, Moffat Takadiwa, Jojo Gronostay, Serge Attukwei Clottey

Entities

Artists

  • Vivan Sundaram
  • Atul Dodiya
  • Ramkinkar Baij
  • Fahamu Pecou
  • Leslie Hewitt
  • Cauleen Smith
  • Mohamed Bourouissa
  • Yto Barrada
  • Saloua Raouda Choucair
  • Omar Ba
  • Moffat Takadiwa
  • Jojo Gronostay
  • Serge Attukwei Clottey
  • Seydou Keïta
  • Malick Sidibé
  • Rabindranath Tagore
  • Frantz Fanon
  • Cheikh Anta Diop
  • Thomas Mapfumo
  • Walter Benjamin
  • Niccolò Lucarelli

Institutions

  • Museum Moderner Kunst Stiftung Ludwig Wien (MUMOK)
  • Artribune

Locations

  • Vienna
  • Austria
  • India
  • South Asia
  • Middle East
  • Africa
  • Americas
  • United States
  • North Africa
  • sub-Saharan Africa
  • Mali
  • Ghana
  • Accra
  • Abidjan
  • Martinique

Sources