UNSPOKEN: AFRICAN DIALOGUES

Hafsa Hirsi

The Unspoken African Dialogue will open for private viewing at Serendipity Institute for Black Arts and Heritage on 18 January 2024 The aim of the exhibition is to draw attention to the hidden realities of the African Diaspora that are frequently disregarded by society at large The themes explored are a synthesis of Diaspora-wide issues that shed light on current challenges and the casualties of significant concerns pertaining to the continent and its relationship to the United Kingdom. The exhibition will delve deeper into the historical timeline of colonialism and African countries' struggle towards independence Although the exhibition will detail Africa's historical colonial legacy, it will additionally explore contemporary aspects that have developed from the continent's postcolonial environment, that has been established through political, social and environmental circumstances

Migration is a prevalent subject in the exhibition, which demonstrates the extraordinary people who comprise a significant component of British art and culture Notable figures such as Peter Badejo are juxtaposed with historic newspapers that convey the way African immigrants were received in Britain and how they propagate an adverse connotation regarding their immigration

By exposing the hidden reality encountered by African immigrants to the UK, the exhibition seeks to dispel commonly held misconceptions surrounding migration trends

The exhibition focuses on various matters, including the unspoken narrative of the politics underpinning Africa's post-independent reality and the current implications on the continent The photographs on display feature Idi Amin, the President of Uganda, who is regarded as one of the most unjust leaders in contemporary history. He symbolises authoritarianism and unconstitutional governance in the African continent, which is contrasted by Nelson Mandela's inspirational quote about his fight for equality and the end of apartheid in South Africa His sentiment in the exhibition inspires hope and depicts the achievements of Africans in that century

Understanding the intricate and nuanced details of African culture and religion depends substantially on its art and creative expression This is demonstrated by the African masks on exhibit, among which the two displayed represent the religious and cultural manifestations of West African civilisation

The exhibition's segment on British Africans in Contemporary Culture finalises the theme of the exhibition through highlighting well-known figures from British media that emanate their African identity in their creative endeavours and serve as exemplars for those in the African Diaspora. an intriguing and enriching experience.

The exhibition's significance is rooted in having the capacity to provide viewers with an in-depth comprehension of the silent discourse that exists within African political and cultural life It also celebrates the successes of the continent, serves as an encouragement, and as a source of inspiration to the African community.

This exhibition transcends expectations and tackles crucial topics in a well-curated and stimulating approach

Visit our exhibition and join us for an intriguing and enriching experience.