Fred Wilson's 'Afro Kismet' Exhibition at Pace Gallery Explores African Diaspora Through Ottoman and Venetian References

From July 10 to August 17, 2018, Pace Gallery in New York City hosted Fred Wilson's exhibition titled 'Afro Kismet.' This marked the third time the installation was presented, following its debut at the 2017 Istanbul Biennial and a prior showing in London. Wilson's work reinterprets historical collections to reveal omissions, focusing on the global African diaspora through the perspectives of Ottoman and Venetian cultures. The exhibition showcases Yoruba Gelede masks, painted reproductions, and ornate black chandeliers in the Ottoman style. Black serves as a conceptual foundation, with walls adorned with Arabic inscriptions. Historical prints highlight black figures through erasure, while vitrines feature African artifacts accompanied by quotes from James Baldwin and Othello. The nearby gallery displays recent glass creations and grand tile walls featuring traditional patterns.