Here: Pride and Belonging in African Art

Here: Pride and Belonging in African Art explores how LGBTQ+ artists from Africa and its diaspora are part of a larger, joyful story of African art history.

Artists’ voices are central to this exhibition, which features works by Zanele Muholi, Toyin Ojih Odutola, Rotimi Fani-Kayode, Leilah Babirye, Jim Chuchu, Ṣọlá Olúlòde, among many LGBTQ+ artists from across Africa and its diaspora. Here is based on years of close collaboration and dialogue with these artists and their communities. Through their art, they invite us into their worlds and explore themes of identity and belonging. Here is the largest exhibition on this subject to date, with nearly 60 artworks.

While their experiences are unique to them, they speak to issues that unite everyone: the importance of family, spirit, standing up for oneself and others, imagining the future, making intimate connections, finding belonging, embracing potential and, above all, experiencing joy. They are united by a simple, shared declaration: We are here.