London’s Somerset House is hosting a groundbreaking exhibition that aims to celebrate the historical representation and evolving legacy of African women in visual culture.
Entitled ‘Black Venus,’ the exhibition sheds light on the struggles faced by African women throughout art history while also highlighting the empowering and contemporary works of 18 African women and non-binary artists.
The exhibit, which runs until September 24, endeavors to move away from the harmful othering and sexualized stereotypes that have long plagued the representation of African women.
Curator Aindrea Emelife passionately expressed the exhibition’s purpose, stating, “Black Venus is an exhibition that looks at the historic representations of African women throughout visual art, throughout art history, but also then looks at contemporary artists that are reclaiming these narrow stereotypes put onto African women with their own works.”
While the exhibition aims to celebrate the reclamation of African female bodies by contemporary artists, it also confronts the disturbing history of 19th-century engravings that exploited African women.
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One such representation is that of Saartjie Baartman, who was cruelly caricatured with exaggerated physical features to entertain and titillate audiences.
However, Saartjie Baartman’s story also inspired the curator, serving as a poignant reminder of how African women were exoticized and fetishized in art and visual culture.
In addition to challenging historical prejudices, the exhibition portrays African women as modern icons, defying society’s conventional beauty standards.
Works like ‘Me as Marilyn’ depict African artist Ming Smith as the iconic blonde bombshell, Marilyn Monroe, calling attention to the exclusion of African women from mainstream lists of female icons.
‘Black Venus’ is a powerful collection of over 40 contemporary photographs that celebrate African women in various aspects of modern life, drawing inspiration from African goddesses and traditional facial adornments.
Through this exhibition, the artists honor the rich cultural heritage and resilience of African women while dismantling the damaging stereotypes that have persisted for centuries.
Visitors have until September 24 to experience the enlightening and thought-provoking ‘Black Venus’ exhibition at Somerset House, celebrating the strength, beauty, and diversity of African women in art and visual culture.
