Beyond the Surface: The Inner World of Portraits

Black Liquid Art on 11 May 2024 hosts 'Beyond the Surface: The Inner World of Portraits'. The exhibition, through African women's portraiture, is meant to be a cue to investigate the kaleidoscopic nature of women and specifically African women. 

The beauty of the black woman is often obscured by a world that perpetuates white supremacy. As African-American author and activist Bell Hooks states: 'Black women are sometimes led to accept the myth of their sexual and beauty inferiority. This myth, rooted in centuries of oppression and colonialism, continues to influence the perception of beauty of black and Afro-descendant women in contemporary society.

In the context of contemporary art, the analysis of the portraits goes far beyond the visible surface of the works. This exhibition channels the critical thinking not only of intellectuals, but also of artists such as: Aïda Muluneh, Olamilekan Abatan, Atiye Afolabi, Tukayo Bailey, Joseph Chiemerie, Osvaldo Ferreira, John Hopex, Henry James, Kayode, Toluwalase Raymond and Jessy Tessy, to explore through their works the expressive power of portraits.

One of the focal points is challenging the stereotypes that have shaped the perception of African women throughout history. As Bell Hooks argues, portraits should not only celebrate the outward beauty of African women, but also question and dismantle the restrictive and negative preconceptions that have haunted them.

One of the works on display is that of Ethiopian artist Aïda Muluneh who offers a unique perspective on how portraits can become instruments of resistance and revelation. Her works not only capture the beauty of her models, but also act as a mirror reflection of the distorted stories and injustices suffered by African women. Muluneh emphasises the inherent power of portraits in challenging dominant narratives and constructing new perspectives.

By exploring the interiorities depicted in the portraits, the exhibition "Beyond the Surface" invites the audience to look beyond external appearances and immerse themselves in the complex and rich worlds of the people portrayed. What emerges is not only a celebration of beauty and human diversity, but also a sharp critique of the power structures and ideologies that have shaped our understanding of self and other.

During the exhibition, the book ‘Fortunatamente nera' by the writer Nogaye Ndiaye and the docu-film 'I am black, I am beautiful' by the independent filmmaker Sabrina Onana will be presented, testimonies that address the issue of racism and discrimination through the perspective of black women living in Italy and France.