Kings and Queens of Africa: Forms and Figures of Power

Louvre Abu Dhabi presents Kings and Queens of Africa: Forms and Figures of Power, marking a milestone as the first exhibition of its kind in the UAE and the region dedicated to African art. Inaugurated by H.E. Shaikh Shakhboot bin Nayhan Al Nahyan, Minister of state; The Honorable Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy of Nigeria, Hon. Hannatu Musa Musawa; H.E. Noura Al Kaabi, Minister of state; and H.E. Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of Louvre Abu Dhabi, this exhibition is in partnership with Musée du quai Branly-Jacques Chirac and France Muséums, with the support of HONOR as the exhibition official partner and Valrhona as the exhibition sponsor.

Spanning from 11th to 21st centuries, the exhibition showcases royal portraits, sculptures, ceremonial objects, and textiles, exploring the connection between art, power, and identity across Africa. Over 350 objects from West, Central, Southern, and East Africa, including intricately crafted royal attire and spiritually significant figures, highlight the continent’s artistic legacy.

The exhibition is curated by three curators in ancient and contemporary African art: Hélène Joubert, exhibition General Curator and Head of the African Collections at the Musée du quai Branly—Jacques Chirac, El Hadji Malick Ndiaye, Associate Curator, Head of the Museums Department and Curator of the Musée Théodore Monod d’Art Africain, Institut Fondamental d’Afrique Noire—Cheikh Anta Diop (IFAN-Cheikh Anta Diop), Dakar; and Cindy Olohou, Associate Curator, Head of Collections at the Regional Collection of Contemporary Art, Île-de-France, and Independent Art Critic. Support was provided by Mariam AlDhaheri, Curatorial Assistant at Louvre Abu Dhabi.

Manuel Rabaté, Director of Louvre Abu Dhabi, said: “In line with our commitment to presenting pivotal moments in the history of art, Kings and Queens of Africa: Forms and Figures of Power offers a profound exploration of Africa’s rich artistic heritage. Africa, as the cradle of humanity and a continent with rich and diverse traditions, has long been a source of resilience and creative expression. By shedding light on its enduring legacy, this exhibition resonates with our mission to engage diverse audiences by presenting stories that transcend boundaries and connect cultures. Louvre Abu Dhabi is honoured to present this exceptional exhibition, thanks to Musée du quai Branly-Jacques Chirac and the invaluable contributions of the curators, lenders and partners.”

The exhibition is divided into three sections, each exploring the art and power of Africa’s great kingdoms. West Africa highlights the artistic legacies Ife, Benin, Akan, Yoruba, and Danhomè showcasing sculptures and highlighting arts role in shaping power and identity. Central Africa showcases Kongo, Luba, and Teke kingdoms, reflecting the connection between art, spirituality, and leadership. Southern and Eastern Africa showcases Zulu and Ethiopian kingdoms, celebrating their rich artistic traditions. The journey concludes with an African Pop Art section featuring contemporary comics and video games.

Hélène Joubert, Exhibition General Curator, General Curator, Head of the African Collections at Musée du quai Branly—Jacques Chirac, said: “Kings and Queens of Africa: Forms and Figures of Power grew out of my reflections on objects of power and the pursuit of a universal theme. Drawing on the collections of the Musée du quai Branly—Jacques Chirac with numerous exceptional masterpieces lent for the first time and recent targeted acquisitions, I envisioned an expansive exhibition introducing African art from the 11th century to today. Spanning all major regions of sub-Saharan Africa, it explores interconnected themes, highlighting the notions of excellence and beauty in service of power. In addition to the collections of the Musée du quai Branly, we collaborated with other international institutions, particularly in Africa, and private lenders.”

Highlights of the objects on loan include Crowned head of Queen Oluwo, Ife, Nigeria (14th/15th century); Royal shoes gilded with leaf, Baule, Côte d’Ivoire; Akan chair, Côte d’Ivoire/Ghana; Akatahounto drum, Fon, Benin; Okuyi anthropomorphic mask, Punu, Gabon; Nkisi nkondi magical zoomorphic figurine, Kongo, Congo, and Lefem statue, Bangwa, Cameroon. Contemporary artworks include Mali, a Treasure by Abdoulaye Konaté, and Eddy Kamuanga Ilunga’s painted skins of electronic circuits, amongst others.

Cultural and educational programmes
A diverse programme complements the exhibition.

Coffee Festival (February 14-16): Coffee lovers are invited to explore cultural ties between Africa and the Arabian Peninsula through coffee traditions at Louvre Abu Dhabi Park.

Masquerave (February 15): The event will be headlined by DJ Black Coffee, with an opening act by his son, Sona. The Masquerave will be a fusion of classical masquerade and the artist’s blend of house, African percussions, and electronic music. The event features stunning masks designed by artist Zak Ové, alongside captivating coffee-themed activations.

Community activities: Guided tours, family weekends, and educational workshops for all ages.

Louvre Abu Dhabi also unveils Fluctuating Throne by Gonçalo Mabunda, crafted from decommissioned weapons from Mozambique’s civil war (1976-1992), symbolizing resilience and transformation.

For the first time, Louvre Abu Dhabi Park transforms into an outdoor gallery with Black Starliner, a 12-metre totem by Zak Ové, exploring Afrofuturism and identity. At night, Projection of Harmony by Dr. Esther Mahlangu will illuminate the museum’s architecture with vibrant geometric African patterns.

The Kings and Queens of Africa: Forms and Figures of Power catalogue is available in Arabic, English and French at the museum’s boutique and online.

For more information about the exhibition, and to book tickets, please visit louvreabudhabi.ae or call Louvre Abu Dhabi at T +971 600 56 55 66. Entrance to the exhibition is free with the museum’s general admission tickets.

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