Africa Rising is the inaugural exhibition of FAM’s new collection of 21st-century Africa photography, a sampling of the recent explosion of fine art photography on the continent. The exhibition includes photographs by internationally acclaimed artists Zanele Muholi (South Africa), Lalla Essaydi (Morocco), and Aida Muluneh (Ethiopia). Themes that recur across this visually stunning show include identity in the aftermath of colonialism, environmental exploitation and decay, female empowerment, and Afro-Futurism. Africa Rising, and the expansion of FAM’s collection, are supported by a generous grant from the Geneviève McMillan – Reba Stewart Foundation.

A phrase coined in reference to the continent’s rapid economic growth after the turn of the century, “Africa Rising” applies equally to contemporary African fine art photography, which has exploded across the continent over the last few decades. The exhibition Africa Rising at the Fitchburg Art Museum (FAM) is not a comprehensive survey of 21st-century African photography, but it includes work by prominent photographers working throughout the continent today.

Almost all of the work exhibited was produced in the 21st century, and much of it was created by individuals born in the 1980s and 1990s. Some were university or art-school trained, while some learned their photographic techniques through short-term, intensive workshops. Others are self-taught, honing their skills through experience. Some started with cameras that used film, others with digital cameras or their mobile phones. Some focus on documentary images, others stage scenes. All have compelling stories to tell. 

Certain themes recur: reclaiming or reasserting identity in the aftermath of colonialism, environmental exploitation and degradation, female empowerment, otherness, and Afro-futurism. Underlying these themes is a steadfast commitment to changing the pessimistic narrative about Africa presented in the Western media with its focus on war, famine, disease and corruption.  

Theirs is a continuing African narrative of affirmation delivered with compassion, social concern, and even anger, but also with wit, humor, and hope. FAM celebrates African art and its creators through this sampling of current African photographers’ work, stunning in its beauty and power. 

Africa Rising: 21st Century African Photography showcases a growing number of works by African photographers in the Fitchburg Art Museum’s already distinguished photography collection. The acquisition of work by African photographers is part of an ongoing initiative to further develop both FAM’s African art and photography collections – already areas of importance at the museum. The selection is concentrated on 21st-century work and the power of individual images.

FAM’s exhibition includes photographs ranging from the work of well-known photographers (e.g. South Africa’s Zanele Muholi, Ethiopia’s Aida Muluneh, and Morocco’s Lalla Essaydi) to up and coming individuals (e.g. Wilfred Ukpong from Nigeria, Tamara Kudita from Zimbabwe,  and Maurice Mbikaye from the Democratic Republic of the Congo). About half of the photographers in the collection are women, reflecting the increasing number of women working in photography across the continent.

Africa Rising, and the expansion of FAM’s collection, have been generously supported by a major grant from the Geneviève McMillan-Reba Stewart Foundation. The exhibition was organized by FAM’s Consulting Curator for African, Oceanic, and Native American Arts, Jean Borgatti.