This is an Exhibition that shatters all perception of Africa. Directly opposed to the way in which the media would have us believe, here we see Africa at its best. Housing 88 African artists from 25 different countries this is a show not to be missed.

There is something for everybody in this exhibition. If the show were to be summed up in one word it would definitely be “inclusion.” From Photography to Furniture Design, Video Installations to Fashion, this Exhibition will splinter your notion of modern Africa and the modern Africans.

For decades contemporary African artists have been in the shadows of their western counterparts. If anything, the curators have almost sheepishly underrated the African Artists importance to the International community. Rather than the Africa voice muted, as is so often the case, the brilliance shines through and purely highlights the genius of so many individuals. Rarely do you see a display of excellence of this sort or on this kind of scale.

This year the organisers especially, Simon Njami amongst others, have excelled themselves and pulled out all the stops making this African Expo a veritable feast for all the senses.

This is an Exhibition that has long been in the wings and could not have come at a better time. In our tumultuous environment of racial tension and fear of retribution from our enemies this Exhibition is a landmark, a testimony to those that as yet, have rarely had a chance to be outspoken.

This exciting Exhibition has been over 3 years in the making and houses all colours and religions as never before seen. The Continent best know for famine and war has been given a fresh perspective. Finally, there is a respectable Africa Exhibition that will implant the powerful views and visions of modern Africa clearly in minds of those in the West.

The artists include: Yinka Shonibare, Allan deSouza, Jane Alexander, William Kentridge, Meschac Gaba, Moshekwa Langa, Hassan Musa, Ghada Amer. Works by El Anatsui, Andries Botha, Soly Cisse, Zwelethu Mthethwa are also represented. Video Installations from the brilliant Kenyan-born, German, Ingrid Mwangi.

I describe my work as Urban Folklore. The images depicted meld contemporary Black urban culture/history, with traditional African culture.
All of these creations are centred around an individuals journey to Sivad. In my work, Sivad represents not only a fictitious urban village where all the people portrayed are travelling to physically, but an internal, spiritual journey to reach a higher consciousness.

Each painting reflects an essential moment in an actual individuals journey. Ancestor Spirits, represented by blue figures, or blue light, help guide these people as they travel day to day in search of Sivad.

Whether it is the story I saw when my eyes briefly connected with an old womans eyes while walking down Mission street, or the feeling I got when I talked to a single mother struggling to raise three children, they all inspire my work. I feel that a story should never be owned by just one person…but rather experienced by many.

Storytelling has been defined as an oral tradition, folklore passed on to generations of people through speech, or the ‘tellers’. In the tradition of an African Griot, I pass on the stories of everyday people. Rather than telling the stories verbally, I am sharing them visually…on canvas. I want these stories to be available to my generation as well as generations to come. These stories deserve a place in history too.