The collection of Carla & Pieter Schulting represents an era of ever-growing interest in contemporary art from the continent.
African painting has boomed in recent years. It reflects the self-awareness with which the continent's artists look at themselves and their position in the world. During this period, Dutch collectors Carla and Pieter Schulting acquired a large collection of paintings - supplemented by some sculptures and photographs - from many African countries. Many of the artists in the collection have themselves or their immediate surroundings as subjects with portraits, figure pieces and genre scenes.
On display at Kunsthal KAdE in Amersfoort, are works by 125 different artists from 33 African countries: South Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, Côte d'Ivoire, Cameroon, Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia and many others. Although never complete, the collection gives a layered picture of how African artists reflect on their self-image and how their imagination radiates to the whole world.
"Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced," said African-American novelist James Baldwin. Looking at the rich visual vocabulary of the African artists in the Schulting collection, one senses long histories, many experiences - including traumatic ones - and great stories ready to be told. Told from a personal perspective, often with the artists themselves or their friends at the centre, but with universal overtones. A history of many histories, portrayed from specific points of view and individual cultural experiences.
More information on all participating artists and tickets here.
