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Freedom and Futures: Emancipatory Art in Africa, 1956–1982
May 2, 2027 – August 14, 2027
The Museum of Modern Art
The Museum of Modern Art announces Freedom and Futures: Emancipatory Art in Africa, 1956–1982, an exhibition that presents an artist-centered history of modern art in Africa during the key years of independence. On view from May 2 through August 14, 2027, the exhibition will shed critical light on how artists imagined and framed their roles in the project of nation-building, serving as activists and agents of the cultural, ideological, and political forces that inspired and advanced decolonization. Freedom and Futures is anchored by the historic congresses and festivals that took place during this period, arranged by organizers in Zimbabwe, Senegal, Algeria, Nigeria, and South Africa. Selections from these landmark gatherings, together with works from these five countries, will contextualize the parallel yet connected stories of nationalism and transnationalism in African modern art, foregrounding artists as central figures in the broader project of liberation.
Freedom and Futures: Emancipatory Art in Africa, 1956–1982 is organized by Ugochukwu-Smooth C. Nzewi, The Steven and Lisa Tananbaum Curator, with Erica DiBenedetto, former Curatorial Associate, Department of Painting and Sculpture.
The exhibition is made possible by the African Export–Import Bank (Afreximbank) through the Afreximbank Art Program.
Leadership support is provided by the Masiyiwa Family.
Leadership funding for the publication is provided by the Perry and Nancy Lee Bass Publication Endowment Fund.
The Bloomberg Connects digital experience is made possible through the support of Bloomberg Philanthropies.
Press Kit
Images
Malangatana Valente Ngwenya (Mozambican, 1936–2011). Cry for Freedom (O grito da liberdade). 1973. Oil on hardboard, 48 x 120 3/16” (121.9 x 305.3 cm). The Museum of Modern Art, New York. Gift of Eva and Glenn Dubin. Estate of Malangatana Valente Ngwenya.
Uche Okeke (Nigerian, 1933–2016). Women Riot (Aba Revolt). 1965. Oil on board, 72 1/16 x 48 1/16” (183 x 122 cm). The Museum of Modern Art, New York. Enid A. Haupt Fund. © 2026 The Professor Uche Okeke Legacy Limited
Mohammed Khadda (Algerian, 1930–1991). Talisman rouge pour exorciser les “phantoms” (avions bombardiers Americain). 1969. Oil on canvas, 51 3/16 x 63 ¾” (130 x 162 cm). The Museum of Modern Art, New York. Estate of Mohammed Khadda.
Thomas Mukarobgwa (Zimbabwean, born Southern Rhodesia, 1924–1999). Dying People in the Bush. 1962. Oil on board, 23 ¼ x 36 ¼” (59 x 91.9 cm). The Museum of Modern Art, New York. Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Hochschild. Estate of Thomas Mukarobgwa.
Amadou Seck (Senegalese, born 1950). La princesse Peulh. 1970. Oil and sand on wood panel, 58 7/16 x 37” (148.5 x 94 cm). Private Collection. Courtesy of the artist.