‘When We See Us’: Black figurative painting at Cape Town’s Zeitz MOCAA

When We See Us is an exhibition of black figurative paintings currently on display at Cape Town's Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA). The exhibition, which was organized by the museum's chief curator, Khwezi Gule, features works by artists from around the world, including some of the most influential names in the contemporary art scene.

Installation views, ‘When We See Us: A Century of Black Figuration in Painting’, 2022, Zeitz MOCAA. Far right: Sphephelo Mnguni, *Homage*, 2022. Top centre: Cheri Samba, *Une femme conduisant le monde*, 2017
(Image credit: Courtesy of Zeitz MOCAA. Photography: Dillon Marsh)

The paintings in the exhibition explore the theme of black identity, drawing on the experiences of the artists and the larger African diaspora. The works range from traditional portraiture to more abstract pieces, and all of them offer a powerful and thought-provoking look at what it means to be black in the contemporary world.

In addition to the paintings, the exhibition also features a number of other works, including sculptures, installations, and multimedia pieces. These works provide a more immersive and interactive experience for visitors, allowing them to engage with the exhibition on a deeper level.

The When We See Us exhibition is a must-see for anyone interested in contemporary art or the African diaspora. ‘When We See Us’, supported by Gucci, runs until 3 September 2023 at Zeitz MOCAA, zeitzmocaa.museum

Installation views, ‘When We See Us: A Century of Black Figuration in Painting’, 2022, Zeitz MOCAA
(Image credit: Courtesy of Zeitz MOCAA. Photography: Dillon Marsh)

ART, CULTURE, Editor's PicksNneji AkunneJanuary 9, 2023cape town, art showsComment