Detail of The Adoration of Benjamin by Wole Lagunju, one of the African contemporary art acquisitions at the Indianapolis Museum of Art

The Indianapolis Museum of Art increases its African contemporary art acquisitions with works by Wole Lagunju and Kimathi Mafafo.

BY KAZEEM ADELEKE, ARTCENTRON

INDIANAPOLIS, IN– The Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields has enriched its permanent collection with two exceptional works of African contemporary art. The museum recently acquired The Adoration of Benjamin by Nigerian artist Wole Lagunju and Sisters in Unison I by South African artist Kimathi Mafafo. Both pieces were recently on display at Ebony/Curated’s stand at Expo Chicago before being added to the Indianapolis collection. These acquisitions mark a significant addition to the museum’s expanding collection of African art.

This development follows a growing trend among major American museums to feature African artists. There is an increasing effort to amplify voices from the continent and showcase diverse narratives. However, the Indianapolis Museum of Art continues to lead in promoting contemporary African art, positioning itself as a key institution for cultural representation with these new additions.

Wole Lagunju: The Adoration of Benjamin 2024

Wole Lagunju’s The Adoration of Benjamin, an oil-on-canvas painting, was acquired shortly after his work The Lugard Masquerade was added to the Toledo Museum of Art. This 2024 masterpiece intertwines two crucial historical elements: the traditional Yoruba Gèlèdé mask and the body of Lord Luggard, a British colonial figure instrumental in shaping modern Nigeria. The Gèlèdé mask, a powerful symbol in Yoruba culture, plays a central role in Lagunju’s exploration of identity.

The Adoration of Benjamin takes a different path from The Lugard Masquerade. It features a young man dressed in a suit made from African prints. His style blends contemporary fashion with traditional African heritage. The figure, possibly a Dandy, stands confidently against a lush backdrop of flowers and leaves. His afro, adorned with a flower, along with his carefully crafted features, symbolize devotion and self-expression.

The Interplay of African Heritage and Modern Identity.

Through this piece, Lagunju delivers a powerful commentary on the interplay between African heritage and modern identity. The painting highlights the strength, elegance, and resilience of Black men. It uses the theme of adoration to elevate the subject’s presence in a global context.

The suit, crafted from African prints, not only represents cultural pride but also reflects the global influence of African aesthetics in fashion. The painting’s vibrant colors, floral motifs, and intricate patterns add to its symbolic richness. It highlights themes of beauty, resilience, and transformation. The painting explores themes of admiration, identity, culture, and the diaspora experience. It suggests that identity is constantly evolving through history, culture, and personal expression. Lagunju’s work provokes thought and invites reflection through its intricate layering of imagery.

Kimathi Mafafo: Sisters in Unison I 2024

African Contemporary Art Acquisitions in Focus

The museum also acquired Kimathi Mafafo’s Sisters in Unison I, which complements her broader exploration of gender, identity, and empowerment. Mafafo, a multidisciplinary artist from South Africa, combines oil painting, embroidery, and installation in her work. Her focus on celebrating the Black female form while challenging historical stereotypes is central to her artistic practice.

Sisters in Unison I features abstracted female figures set against a lush, green backdrop. The painting symbolizes the connection between nature and feminine strength. Part of a larger series, this piece explores themes of unity, sisterhood, and shared experiences among Black women. The artwork makes a bold statement on female empowerment, pushing against traditional narratives that have historically marginalized women’s voices.

Kimathi Mafafo’s Artistic Practice

Mafafo was born in Kimberley, a mining town in South Africa. Her work contrasts the arid, industrial landscape of her hometown with the lush, vibrant scenes she portrays in her art. Mafafo’s meticulous attention to detail, combined with her use of both flat and textured imagery, defines her unique style.

Mafafo’s use of painting and embroidery reclaims these mediums as powerful tools for self-expression, challenging traditional boundaries in women’s art. Her collaborations with Ghanaian tailor Mustapha Saadu result in works that portray women navigating the tension between tradition and modernity. Through her art, Mafafo not only celebrates the Black female form but also tells stories of transformation and self-realization.

The Global Recognition of Kimathi Mafafo

Mafafo’s works are in numerous prestigious collections worldwide, solidifying her as a leading figure in contemporary African art. These collections include the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields and the Newark Museum of Art. Others include the Nelson Mandela Art Museum and the Beth Rudin DeWoody Collection, among others. Her art has been featured in both solo and group exhibitions globally, reflecting her increasing recognition and influence in reshaping cultural narratives.

The Role of African Contemporary Art in American Museums

The acquisition of works like The Adoration of Benjamin and Sisters in Unison I underscores the growing interest in African contemporary art within major American museums. This trend signals the recognition of African artists’ ability to engage with universal themes through a distinct African lens.

Institutions like the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields are expanding the narratives they present by including works from artists like Lagunju and Mafafo. This commitment reflects a broader shift toward inclusivity and cultural diversity. It allows for the representation of diverse perspectives that challenge dominant historical narratives.

Why African Contemporary Art Acquisitions Matter

The Indianapolis Museum of Art’s acquisition of Wole Lagunju’s The Adoration of Benjamin and Kimathi Mafafo’s Sisters in Unison I is a crucial moment in the global celebration of African contemporary art. These works offer insightful reflections on identity, culture, and human experience, and their inclusion ensures that these powerful stories will continue to resonate with audiences for years to come.