Aindrea Emelife Instagram – In this weekends @ft_weekend Life & Arts I was invited by the FT and Ben Okri to muse on the state of things.
As the newly appointed Curator (Modern and Contemporary) at The Edo Museum of West African Art (@emowaa_ ) I have been privileged and humbled to be part of the imagining of a future for West African art.
Amidst media grabbing discussion about the overdue restitution of objects, it is clear to me that the happy flappy self congratulation of returns needs to go further. Restitution is meaningless if it doesn’t catalyse and connect with the present and future.
@emowaa_ is emblematic of this optimistic future. Stretching from ancient to contemporary it addresses a need to connect with a young, creative population, provide economic opportunities and expand and build museum infrastructure and sites of learning on the continent.
But it cannot be an island. If globalisation can bring Africa to the world and the world to Africa, then how does this circulation bring returns?
In this article, I envision a truly circular global art ecosystem and authentic collaboration between our hallowed halls in the West and institutions in Africa.
I discuss @emowaa_’s plans, my first academic focus as the new Curator and wax lyrical on one of the favourite pieces of Nigerian Modernism: Nigeria 1959 by Demas Nwoko.
The past few months have been enriching collaborative thinking between some of our greatest minds. It is an honour to learn, grow and be part of this story.
But moreover, it is a call to arms. Restitution is the start of the conversation. Now, we must look to the future.
@emowaa_ (Edo Museum of West African Art) is a David Adjaye designed museum and cultural district and opens in stages from 2024. (@adjaye_visual_sketchbook @adjayeassociates ) | Posted on 11/Mar/2023 14:52:21
