The exhibition focuses on more immediate expressions of African identity: fashion, hair, and design. It is first of its kind at the Museum of Decorative Arts in Berlin.
Depending from which floor you start exploring the exhibition, you will be greeted by a different starting point. It actually ties in well with the new narrative that has been started in Berlin museums, and that is the focus on bringing the truth to the fore while questioning various colonial and postcolonial practices.
Another exciting exhibition on a similar topic can currently be found at Haus der Kulturen der Welt: Spectral-White. It deals with views of colonised peoples of Africa towards Europeans. I highly recommend it!
Connecting Afro Futures has a very strong environmental message as well as educational. The thread of sustainability is visible all through the fashion part of the exhibition. Videos showcase material treatments and usage of plants and re-purposing recycled materials such as car tyres.
There are also plenty of videos explaining the importance of African hair and how it has been treated by the western society, followed by some exceptionally beautiful photographs.
The exhibition should give you an insight into more than just what lies on the surface. It is a lovely celebration of both the African spirit and the struggle. Connecting Afro Futures is open until December 1, make sure you don’t miss it.
For more photos on the exhibition please visit the Instagram page 🙂
Museum vault 