Must-See Exhibitions in 2024
As we step into 2024, art enthusiasts have a lot to be excited about. Galleries worldwide are unveiling an impressive array of exhibitions for January, offering a diverse exploration of art forms, expressions, and historical narratives. This article highlights some of the most anticipated exhibitions that promise to start the year with a visual bang.
“Polymythologies” at Tiwani Contemporary, London (18 January — 17 February 2024)
Tiwani Contemporary’s “Polymythologies” showcases the work of Leo Robinson, Ivan Forde, and Richard Ayodeji Ikhide. This group exhibition explores new mythologies through a fusion of global influences, classical allegories, and speculative fiction. The artists delve into themes of migration, transformation, and historical perspectives using various mediums, from cosmological drawings to innovative watercolors and multimedia installations.
“Young Contemporaries” at Rele Gallery, Lagos (7 January — 10 February 2024)
Rele Gallery’s “Young Contemporaries” returns, spotlighting emerging African artists like Praise Sanni-Adeniyi and Salomon Moneyang. The exhibition features a blend of traditional and contemporary mediums, addressing themes of existence, family, and personal evolution. This year’s edition is a testament to the dynamic and thought-provoking work of Africa’s budding artists.
“Zanele Muholi: Eye Me” at SFMOMA, San Francisco (18 January — 11 August 2024)
SFMOMA hosts “Zanele Muholi: Eye Me,” the first major West Coast exhibition of South African artist Zanele Muholi. The exhibition spans over two decades of work, including photographs, paintings, and sculptures. Muholi’s pieces, rooted in activism, celebrate and bring visibility to the Black queer community, challenging norms of gender identity and representation.
“ReThinking Collections” at the Royal Museum for Central Africa, Tervuren, Belgium (19 January — 29 September 2024)
“ReThinking Collections” delves into the origins of the museum’s colonial-era collections. The exhibition explores provenance research, addressing the complexities and future of colonial artifacts. It presents a variety of pieces and perspectives, raising critical questions about heritage and its place in modern society.
David Goldblatt & Kiluanji Kia Henda at Goodman Gallery, Johannesburg (25 January — 6 March 2024)
Goodman Gallery in Johannesburg presents a duo exhibition featuring the works of David Goldblatt and Kiluanji Kia Henda. Goldblatt’s photographs offer a historical perspective of South Africa, while Kia Henda’s multidisciplinary approach provides a humorous and critical take on post-colonialism and modernism in Africa.
The first quarter of 2024 presents a rich tapestry of artistic expressions, from historical reflections to contemporary challenges. These exhibitions not only showcase artistic talent but also invite viewers to engage with diverse cultural and social narratives. Don’t miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in these compelling artistic journeys.
