When We See Us: A Century of Black Figuration in Painting
The exhibition features over 148 works from institutional and private lenders across 16 countries, showcasing a century of Black figurative painting by artists of African descent around the world.
When We See Us: A Century of Black Figuration in Painting was being presented at Liljevalchs Konsthall (Liljevalchs+) in Stockholm, Sweden, from October 10, 2025 to August 30, 2026, showcasing a century of Black figurative painting through works by artists from Africa and its global diaspora.
Exhibition Description
When We See Us rejects conventional art-historical narratives that center trauma and marginalization. Instead, the show foregrounds joy, resilience, identity, and everyday life — inviting visitors to experience Black art through themes such as The Everyday, Joy & Revelry, Repose, Sensuality, Spirituality, and Triumph & Emancipation. Curated by Koyo Kouoh (late) and Tandazani Dhlakama, the exhibition anchors itself in a “parallel aesthetic” — exploring intergenerational and transcontinental links in how Black artists imagine and depict identity. Works by artists such as Amy Sherald, Jacob Lawrence, Zandile Tshabalala, Chéri Samba, Danielle McKinney, Lynette Yiadom‑Boakye, among others, highlight the breadth of voices and styles included. The show is accompanied by a poetic catalogue (published by Thames & Hudson in collaboration with Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa / Zeitz MOCAA), and includes sound-art components by composer and sound artist Neo Muyanga.
