Curated by Fitsum Shebeshe and produced by Independent Curators International (ICI), States of Becoming, on view at The Africa Center, informs the discourse on identity construction within the African Diaspora.
View of the exhibition States of Becoming at The Africa Center. Photo: Anita Ng/The Africa Center, 2022
Africa Clothe Me Bare, Paris, Yvonne Osei, still from video, 2018. Courtesy of the artist
States of Becoming examines the dynamic forces of relocation, resettlement, and assimilation that shape the artistic practices of a group of 17 contemporary African artists who have lived and worked in the United States. The concept for the exhibition evolved out of curator Fitsum Shebeshe’s lived experience following his 2016 move from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to Baltimore, and his subsequent knowledge of the weight of cultural assimilation. “States of Becoming was born out of my own process of relocating to the United States in 2016,” Shebeshe said. “This exhibition allows for further understanding of not only my own experiences, but also those of the artists. By analyzing both the unique aspects and commonalities together with The Africa Center’s global and local communities, we can reimagine together how we think about how identity is continually shaped and reshaped.”
Artists: Gabriel C. Amadi-Emina, Kearra Amaya Gopee, Kibrom Araya, Nadia Ayari, Vamba Bility, Elshafei Dafalla, Masimba Hwati, Chido Johnson, Miatta Kawinzi, Dora King, Helina Metaferia, Nontsikelelo Mutiti, Yvonne Osei, Kern Samuel, Amare Selfu, Tariku Shiferaw, and Yacine Tilala Fall.
States of Becoming October 14, 2022—April 2, 2023
The Africa Center The Africa Center is located on Museum Mile at the intersection of 110th Street and Fifth Avenue. Visiting hours: Thursday to Sunday, 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
www.theafricacenter.org
Helina Metaferia, My Oracle, 2019, mixed media collage,8' x 8’. Courtesy of the artist
Traducción: Nicolás Gelormini