Creative Africa

Creative Africa

Innovation and tradition come together in a celebration of African art and design in the Perelman Building.

From contemporary photography, fashion, and architecture to centuries-old sculpture,presents the visionary work of artists throughout Africa. At the heart of the season is, a major exhibition drawn from the Penn Museum’s distinguished African collection.

also boasts a dynamic schedule of programs, artist talks, family festivals, and community conversations.

#CreativeAfrica

Share your experience #CreativeAfrica @philamuseum.





Exhibition Trailer





Exhibitions



Altar Head, 16th century

Benin Kingdom, Nigeria

University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, Philadelphia: Purchased from W. O. Oldman. Image courtesy of the Penn Museum, Image #250922. Photograph by Gary Ombler for Dorling Kindersley



Look Again: Contemporary Perspectives on African Art Gain a fresh perspective on Africa’s rich artistic heritage in this selection of works from the world-renowned collections of the Penn Museum. This exhibition includes a variety of art created in West and Central Africa from the 1500s to the 1900s. It includes carved ivories and bronze altar objects from the kingdom of Benin, Kongo power figures, Kuba textiles and vessels, Akan gold weights, Kota reliquary figures, and more. Gain a fresh perspective on Africa’s rich artistic heritage in this selection of works from the world-renowned collections of the Penn Museum. This exhibition includes a variety of art created in West and Central Africa from the 1500s to the 1900s. It includes carved ivories and bronze altar objects from the kingdom of Benin, Kongo power figures, Kuba textiles and vessels, Akan gold weights, Kota reliquary figures, and more. Look Again: Contemporary Perspectives on African Art was organized by the Philadelphia Museum of Art in cooperation with the Penn Museum.



Alexandra Township, from the series Shebeen Blues, 2008 Ananias Léki Dago, Ivorian, born 1970 Courtesy of the artist. © Ananias Léki Dago Three Photographers/Six Cities Get an in-depth look at three photographers—Akinbode Akinbiyi, Seydou Camara, and Ananias Léki Dago—who create powerful pictures of six African cities: Cairo, Nairobi, Lagos, Johannesburg, Bamako, and Tombouctou. Get an in-depth look at three photographers—Akinbode Akinbiyi, Seydou Camara, and Ananias Léki Dago—who create powerful pictures of six African cities: Cairo, Nairobi, Lagos, Johannesburg, Bamako, and Tombouctou.



Dazzling Graphics collection, 2011 Made by Vlisco, Helmond, Netherlands Photograph by Fritz Kok Vlisco: African Fashion on a Global Stage Discover how the Dutch company Vlisco became one of the most influential textile brands in West and Central African fashion and a design inspiration around the world. This exhibition explores the company’s most enduring designs, follows the creation of a new textile, and showcases a selection of contemporary fashions. Discover how the Dutch company Vlisco became one of the most influential textile brands in West and Central African fashion and a design inspiration around the world. This exhibition explores the company’s most enduring designs, follows the creation of a new textile, and showcases a selection of contemporary fashions.



Surgical Clinic and Health Center, Léo, Burkina Faso, 2014 Designed by Francis Kéré, Burkinabe, active Berlin Photograph courtesy of Kéré Architecture The Architecture of Francis Kéré: Building for Community Explore Francis Kéré’s inventive approach to building. Born in Burkina Faso and based in Berlin, Kéré integrates traditional knowledge and craft skills into innovative and sustainable buildings worldwide. This exhibition offers a look at some of his award-winning designs within an colorful interactive environment. Explore Francis Kéré’s inventive approach to building. Born in Burkina Faso and based in Berlin, Kéré integrates traditional knowledge and craft skills into innovative and sustainable buildings worldwide. This exhibition offers a look at some of his award-winning designs within an colorful interactive environment.





Asante culture, Akan peoples, Ghana

Purchased with funds contributed by donors to the Costume and Textiles Revolving Fund, 2001-170-1a

[ More Details ] Woman’s Cloth (detail), c. 1930–80Asante culture, Akan peoples, GhanaPurchased with funds contributed by donors to the Costume and Textiles Revolving Fund, 2001-170-1a Threads of Tradition Admire the dazzling patterns of traditional African textiles and uncover the techniques used to achieve them. This exhibition highlights a selection of West and Central African textiles, including exquisite examples of kente cloth worn as a sign of wealth and prestige. Admire the dazzling patterns of traditional African textiles and uncover the techniques used to achieve them. This exhibition highlights a selection of West and Central African textiles, including exquisite examples of kente cloth worn as a sign of wealth and prestige.







