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Project a Black Planet

The Art and Culture of Panafrica

— ,Art Gallery
artwork on the wall

We explored the impact of Pan-Africanism on artistic and cultural production from the 1920s to the present, through over 250 works – from paintings and installations to posters, journals, and film.

The term Pan-Africanism refers to a broad spectrum of political and philosophical movements advocating anti-colonial resistance and transnational solidarity amongst peoples of African descent. While it has long been recognised as a galvanising force in 20th-century global history, Project a Black Planet was the first major exhibition to consider both its influence on visual art and culture, and the critical role of artists in shaping Pan-African visions.

The exhibition presented work produced across Africa, Brazil, the Caribbean, North America and Western Europe, from artists including Chris Ofili, Marlene Dumas and Claudette Johnson. The symbolic site of Panafrica was presented not as a fixed territory but as a conceptual terrain where rupture, dissent, and collective imagination converge in the pursuit of emancipatory futures. 

Tagged with: Art & design Young Barbican

This exhibition was co-organized by the Art Institute of Chicago and MACBA Museu d’Art Contemporani de Barcelona in collaboration with Barbican London, and KANAL-Centre Pompidou Bruxelles.

Opening hours

Mon   Closed
Tue–Wed   10am–6pm
Thu–Fri   10am-8pm
Sat–Sun   10am-6pm

Content notes

Some works in this exhibition explore racial identity, experiences of racism and discrimination, stereotypical representations - including historical language and terminology - and references to transatlantic enslavement. 

Participating artists

Participating artists included: 

El Anatsui, Kader Attia, Rasheed Araeen, Fatma Arargi, Yto Barrada, César Bahia, Bruno Baptistelli, Farid Belkahia, Skunder Boghossian, Kwame Brathwaite, Ubirajara Ferreira Braga, Conceição dos Bugres, Ahmed Cherkaoui, Ernest Cole, Christopher Cozier, Stéphane Nuvi-Têvi Degbava, Edith Dekyndt, Marlene Dumas, Melvin Edwards, Inji Efflatoun, Ibrahim El-Salahi, Ben Enwonwu, Dumile Feni, Rotimi Fani-Kayode, Samuel Fosso, Coco Fusco, Abd al-Hadi al-Gazzar, Abraham Gebre, Sonia Gomes, David Hammons, Kiluanji Kia Henda, Lubaina Himid, Nicholas Hlobo, Mwangi Hutter, Claudette Johnson, Liz Johnson Artur, William Kentridge, Wifredo Lam, Simone Leigh, Audre Lorde, Bertina Lopes, Ernest Mancoba, Mohamed Melehi, groana melendez, Sabelo Mlangeni, Azikiwe Mohammed, Ronald Moody, Kawira Mwirichia, Moataz Nasr, Lilian Nabulime, Omar El Nagdi, Marilyn Nance, Abdias do Nascimento, Iba N'Diaye, Grace Ndiritu, Abdoulaye Ndoye, Malangatana Ngwenya, Everlyn Nicodemus, Demas Nwoko, Chris Ofili, Olu Oguibe, Colette Omogbai, Magdalene Odundo, The Otolith Group, Ebony Patterson, George Pemba, Dawit L. Petros, Adrian Piper, Ingrid Pollard, Rosana Paulino, Samir Rafi, Yná Kabe Rodríguez Olfenza, Aurora Cursino dos Santos, Agnaldo Manoel dos Santos, Jürgen Schadeberg, Gerard Sekoto, Gazbia Sirry, Cauleen Smith, Ibrahima Sanlé Sory, Charmaine Spencer, Tavares Strachan, John Stollmeyer, Papa Ibra Tall, Rubem Valentim, James Van Der Zee, Hale Woodruff, Lynette Yiadom-Boakye

Supported by
The Calouste Gulbenkian UK branch logo

Exhibition Guide

Project a Black Planet

A season exploring the influence of Pan-Africanism on art, film, music and culture.

Audio Guide

Access

During the run of Project a Black Planet: The Art and Culture of Panafrica, we have a variety of access resources and information to help support your visit.

If you have any access requirements that you would like to discuss ahead of your visit, please email [email protected] or call 020 7101 1188 (Mon - Sun 10am-4pm).

Wheelchair Access

Project a Black Planet: The Art and Culture of Panafrica is accessible by the Main Centre Lifts to Level 3. There is a passenger lift (107 x 140cm) inside the gallery to access the upper level.

BSL, Audio Described & Relaxed Views

Accessible Events | Barbican

Visual Story

A visual story of The Gallery can be requested here under the Visual Stories section.

Communication Cards – Pre planning your journey

We have communication cards to help you find your way around the building. We have digital copies you can access and/or print at home as well as printed copies in the Centre available at our info desk on Level G. Please ask a member of staff if you need support locating your nearest pack.

Art Gallery

Location
The Art Gallery is located on Level 3 and can be accessed by stairs and lifts from Level G or via the Sculpture Court if coming from outside. 

Address
Barbican Centre
Silk Street, London
EC2Y 8DS

Public transport
The Barbican is widely accessible by bus, tube, train and by foot or bicycle. Plan your journey and find more route information in ‘Your Visit’ or book your car parking space in advance.