WHAT? A World in Common: Contemporary African Photography 

WHERE? Tate Modern, Bankside, London SE1 9TG

WHEN? Now until 14th January 2024 

WHY GO? For a fusion of African art.  How attitudes, opportunities and creativity have evolved in Africa’s rich diverse culture.  This engaging exhibition explores the advancement of African photographers across generations from the pioneering work of Ghanaian James Barnor (now aged 94) to the spiritual self portraiture of 24-year old Gambian-British Khadija Saye who sadly perished in the Grenfell disaster. 

Showcasing the diversity of 36 artists, It opens with a series of dazzling portraits of present day African rulers decked out in their opulent national regalia and ends with urban images of present day Nigeria’s commercial oil-processing plants.

From Barnor’s days when the only work available for photographers was family portraiture to the luxury of experimental work, namely a playful series of funky African masks by Edson Chagas of Angola, the exhibition embraces everything from spirituality to climate change while passing oblique references to Africa’s colonial past.

IN THE KNOW Chill out afterwards in a comfy newly created gallery space to the sounds of a Touching Brass playlist or drop into the new Tate Corner Cafe and sample the South African wines from Banele Vakele’s acclaimed label Tembela available for the duration of the exhibition.