By: Dean Gregory, to Museum Spotlight Europe (March 2021)
The AfricaMuseum in Belgium features two exhibitions dedicated to the art of Congo, whereby visitors capture a greater understanding of the significance and impact of African art, particularly on the Western imagination. These exhibitions display works from artists like Cézanne, Gaugin, Picasso, Matisse and Jean-Michel Basquiat. Below, learn more about the rich history of African art, The AfricaMuseum in Belgium, two thrilling art exhibitions, and other museums in Europe that showcase the treasures from Africa.
Rich History of African Art
The art of Africa encompasses a medley of media and approaches, including paintings, sculpture, pottery, metals, textiles, fiber productions and architecture. African art features themes that unify the tradition and visualize the multilayered culture. Beyond artists of African ancestry, the influence of art from the continent has been influential on European traditions. For example, beginning in the 19th century, artists such as Cézanne, Gaugin and Picasso all found inspiration in African Art. Within the United States, artists such as Jean-Michel Basquiat exemplify the impact of the African diaspora on the Western canon. Both European and American institutions are addressing their identities in relation to the historical colonialism of Africa by Western nations.
AfricaMuseum in Belgium
The AfricaMuseum offers two temporary exhibitions, Mabele eleki lola! (The earth, brighter than paradise!) and Unrivalled art. The exhibition Mabele eleki lola! displays 22 installations from Kinshasa artist, Freddy Tsimba. Curated by Congolese writer, In Koli Jean Bofane, the exhibition received scientific guidance from expert Henry Bundjoko, the director of the Musée National de la République Démocratique du Congo in Kinshasa. The 22 installations by Tsimba are juxtaposed with 30 pieces from the permanent collection of The AfricaMuseum. The special exhibition closes on August 15, 2021. Unrivalled art features work from the Congo originating from the first half of the 20th century. Exhibits include items like sculpted ivory, masks and statues.
In addition to these special exhibitions, The AfricaMuseum features a resplendent collection of art highlighting the diversity of Africa. Visitors can view paintings, photographs, functional artworks, musical instruments, masks, maps and sculptures, among other pieces. Noteworthy artifacts include stone statues from Lower Congo, paintings by Leon Dardenne and sculptures of Jane Tercafs. The inception of the museum dates back to the late 19th century under the rule of King Leopold II. The museum, located in Tervuren, was designed by Charles Girault, the architectural mind behind the Petit Palais in Paris, France. The museum is easily accessible from Brussels by train or car.
Image © RMCA, Tervuren
More African Art in Europe
In the Netherlands, the Afrika Museum in Nijmegen features an eclectic collection along with interactive exhibits for children. In Paris, the Musée du Quai Branly houses a collection of approximately 370,000 pieces from Africa, Asia, Oceania, the Americas and the Middle East. Likewise, the Museum Rietberg in Zurich, Switzerland, features nearly 23,000 works of art, principally from the collection of Eduard von der Heydt, a German-Swiss banker and art patron. The African collection highlights 2,400 pieces from over 600 years of African history. Further south in Italy, the Ethnographic Museum in Rome offers a unique perspective on African art.
Cover Image © Tinne Schoenmaeker
