WELCOME TO MUSEUM GEOGRAPHIES
This site features essays, blog posts, exhibition reviews and other commentaries examining the cultural geographies of museums, galleries, heritage and the arts, researched and written by Carol Ann Dixon, Ph.D.
LATEST POSTS
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Antelope, by Samson Kambalu – Fourth Plinth Public Art Commission, 2022-2024
Images taken at night of the 14th public art commission for Trafalgar Square’s Fourth Plinth illuminate the bronze sculpture “Antelope” by British-based artist Samson Kambalu (b. 1975, Malawi). This monumental, larger-than-life figurative work restages an iconic 1914 image of Malawian Baptist minister and anti-colonial activist John Chilembwe pictured alongside British missionary John Chorley. Their hats reveal a powerful story…
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Bikoka Art Project, Cameroon (Eyeonart.com)
The Bikoka Art Project, established in 2021 by curator and art historian Christine Eyene in partnership with community residents from Lolodorf, Cameroon, is a new art-led initiative “fostering artistic and professional opportunities for local youth and women, and supporting the next generation of creatives.”
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1-54 London, 2022: Celebrating 10 Years of the Contemporary African Art Fair at Somerset House
The October 2022 edition of 1-54 London – a major art fair showcasing modern and contemporary works by African and African Diaspora artists – celebrated its tenth anniversary at Somerset House. This illustrated review presents a selection of the standout exhibits, including Grada Kilomba’s Fountain Court installation, “O Barco/The Boat” (2021), photography and bronze casts by Zanele Muholi, and figurative paintings by Sikelela Owen.
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In the Black Fantastic – African Diaspora Artists Visualising A Future Beyond Racialisation
Carol Ann Dixon’s illustrated review of ‘In the Black Fantastic,’ curated by Ekow Eshun. This group exhibition at the Hayward Gallery, London (29 June – 18 September 2022), featured works by eleven internationally acclaimed African diaspora artists. Elements of myth, spirituality, folklore, otherworldly imaginings and speculative fiction combined to offer creative responses to everyday experiences of racialisation in the West.
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The Liberatory Aesthetics of ‘Africa Fashion’ at the V&A, London, July 2022 – April 2023
An illustrated review of the Victoria and Albert Museum’s ‘Africa Fashion’ exhibition, written by Carol Ann Dixon, Ph.D. More than 250 items featured in this showcase, including contemporary couture by fashion-forward collectives (such as MMUSOMAXWELL and Lagos Space Programme), strip-woven aṣọ-òkè and kente textiles, Adire indigo-dyed fabrics, and east and southern African kangas.
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Black Chapel: Serpentine Pavilion 2022, created by Theaster Gates
Carol Ann Dixon’s illustrated review of ‘Black Chapel’ – an architectural structure designed by Chicago-born contemporary visual artist and arts scholar Theaster Gates as the 2022 Serpentine Pavilion. This major public art commission is on view in Kensington Gardens, London, through to October 16th, 2022.
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