Art. 40 Artists of African Descent Depict ‘Heaven, Hell, and Purgatory.’

Aida Muluneh
(Aida Muluneh, “The 99 Series.”)


40 arts of African descent representing 19 African nations and many more from the diaspora will be transforming the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art into Dante’s Divine Comedy for the upcoming exhibition, The Divine Comedy: Heaven, Purgatory, and Hell Revisited by Contemporary African Artists.

The show, which is curated by Simon Njami features a range of artists from all over the world including Kader Attia, Wangechi Mutu, and Yinka Shonibare. The artists will explore themes and depictions of heaven and hell by employing a variety of media including video installations, painting, mixed media installation, sculpture, and fiber and textile arts.

The show will run from April 8 to August 2, 2015 at the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art.