Modern and contemporary African art is to form an important part of Tate’s schedule over the next two years.
The British art institution kicks off the project Across the Board at Tate Modern later this month, with some of the works of art it has already shipped over.
Following on from that, in the summer of 2013, Tate Modern will be relocating Meschac Gaba’s phenomenal Museum of Contemporary African Art (1997-2002) in its entirety.
This is the first time that Gaba’s breathtaking and gargantuan 12-part art installation will be shown in the UK, and is a remarkable coup for Tate.
As its title so clearly states, what is significant about the artist’s seminal work – it is a show in itself – is its confident, positive and assertive posture. As he has stated himself, Africa is no longer a “dark continent” and has “reached a point far beyond” western preconceptions.
That said, as Gaba and the Tate recognise, there is no known museum of contemporary art in Africa. The artist himself proves that this shouldn’t be the case, but nevertheless, this is a truth that cannot be ignored.
“The acquisition of Gaba’s extraordinary Museum of Contemporary African Art has transformed our holdings from the continent and our project working collaboratively with emerging artists in Africa will support our collecting process in coming years,” stated Chris Dercon, director of Tate Modern.
He added that Tate is committed to building a truly international collection of art, and keen to showcase African artists, past and present, “as part of a global history of modern and contemporary art”.
Another highlight of Tate’s African programme is an exhibition of the works of the painter Ibrahim El-Salahi. An extensive show, it will document his career over the last 50 years.
Across the Board launches at Tate Modern on November 24th 2012.
Cadogan Tate works with museums, galleries and collectors when devising antique shipping solutions.