The Newcomb Art Museum in New Orleans is presenting an exhibition called “If You Look Hard Enough, You Can See Our Future.” This exhibition includes contemporary art from South Africa and is curated by Laurie Ann Farrell. It runs until June 20, 2025, and is part of the Nando’s art collection, which is one of the largest collections of its kind.
The exhibition includes a variety of artworks from South African artists. Visitors can enjoy pieces that include portraits, landscapes, cityscapes, and abstract art. Some artists featured in the show are Zanele Muholi, a well-known photographer, William Kentridge, a celebrated sculptor, and Portia Zvavahera, who has gained attention for her work at the Venice Biennale.
READ MORE: RMB Latitudes Art Fair Returns To Joburg For Its Third Edition
To celebrate the opening of the exhibition during Carnival Season, there was a special reception on March 21. This event included a jazz performance by musicians Courtney Bryan, Alfred Jordan, and Max Moran. Additionally, on March 29, the museum will host a panel discussion about Contemporary African Art in partnership with the New Orleans Book Fest.
Mirna Wessels, the CEO of The Spier Arts Trust, highlights the importance of this exhibition. She says it gives South African artists a chance to share their work with audiences in the U.S. for the first time. This exhibition helps people learn about South African culture and encourages cultural exchange.
Nando’s, famous for its delicious PERi-PERi chicken, has always supported African creativity. Jessica Wheeler, the Marketing Director of Nando’s South Africa, shares that celebrating original talent from South Africa is very important to the company.
The Nando’s art collection has been built over twenty years, thanks to the late philanthropist Dick Enthoven. Laurie Ann Farrell, who has a lot of experience in promoting African art in the U.S., describes the exhibition as a journey through themes of “humanity, love, loss, and hope for a better future.”
READ MORE: Koyo Kouoh To Judge The Art Basel Awards
Before coming to New Orleans, this exhibition was shown at the African American Museum in Dallas and the African Diaspora Art Museum of Atlanta. Now, it is making a stop in New Orleans, bringing African art to a wider audience.
Best of all, admission to the Newcomb Art Museum is free! This means everyone can come and experience the collection of South African art
