As It Is! Africa Applauded is the final instalment of a four part multi-faceted exhibition series titled As It Is! Contemporary Art From Africa and The Diaspora. It is the first ever group exhibition presenting contemporary African art in the Middle East. Over four months As It Is! showcases over 21 leading and emerging artists who articulate a progressively evolutionary break from European stereotypes about ‘contemporary African art.’ The concept for the exhibitions is an artist-led ideology. It is about their narrative, their experience of being an artist and expressing their identity.

As It Is! Africa Applauded will feature some of the most dynamic artists working on the continent and the diaspora today. It is an exhibition for the artist, about the artist. It is an opportunity to express their own narrative and for the viewer to hear the artists’ true voices - and in so doing, experience the core of the artists represented.

All are internationally acclaimed artists working with diverse expressive mediums and inspirations, with common and not so common converging themes including post-colonial African realities; personal and cultural dynamics; issues of gender and race; globalisation, environmentalism and consumerism. These are critical issues that affect and reflect modern civilization - resulting in creativity spurned from conflicting as well as inspiring energies.

The exhibition provides an opportunity to look at the artist and their creative purpose as individuals rather than as an ‘African’ collective.

For the UAE audience, the exhibition provides a window into the artistic soul of Africa and her Diaspora and an unparalleled opportunity experience works of some of her greatest artists.

Featured artists:

El Anatsui		Sculptor		Ghana
Sokari Douglas Camp		Sculptor		Nigeria/UK
Godfried Donkor		Painter/Mixed media		Ghana/UK
Jacob Jari		Painter/Mixed media/Installation		Nigeria
Atta Kwami		Painter		Ghana
Obiageli Okigbo		Painter		Nigeria/Belgium
Nnenna Okore		Sculptor/Mixed media/Installation		Nigeria/USA