Exploring African Contemporary Art

On December 10, the 100 collectors group enjoyed an exclusive tour of Inner Spirits & Outer Landscapes at Hangar, a unique cultural and artistic space in Lisbon. Hangar is not only a dynamic venue but also an artistic residency devoted to afro-diasporic issues and decolonial thought—an ideal backdrop for this compelling exhibition.

The visit was guided by Carolina Fontes, Collection Manager at Forward Art Stories, who shared insights into the exhibition’s origins and its curation by Mistura Allison. The Forward Art Stories Collection, a Portuguese private collection of African contemporary art, invited Allison to reflect on its works and select pieces that would explore themes of domesticity, spirituality, and self-determination. The result was a powerful dialogue between art and space, immersing viewers in intimate yet universal questions of care, resistance, and creativity.

The exhibition made excellent use of Hangar’s layout, with thoughtful divisions using plastic curtains that created a sense of rhythm and intimacy. From start to finish, the space invited deep engagement with the artworks. A standout moment for many was encountering Yinka Shonibare’s Earth Kid, a striking sculpture that symbolized the weight of ecological crises disproportionately borne by Africa. Carolina enriched this experience by explaining the artist’s exploration of themes like race, class, and global interconnectedness through bold, interdisciplinary works.

This visit was specially organized for the 100collectors community, underscoring our commitment to bringing collectors closer to socially and culturally significant issues. The exhibition and the discussion with Carolina provided a valuable opportunity to reflect on the ways art collections grow, how collectors engage with emerging trends like Web3, and how art can inspire action on critical global challenges.

For those who missed it, you can learn more about Inner Spirits & Outer Landscapes here. Hangar’s remarkable work and exhibitions are always worth exploring!

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