The focus of this session will be to look at artists who draw inspiration from their roots and ancestry – whether it be their own personal histories relating to Africa, or their observation of the appropriation of African culture by the Western societies they are a part of today.

We will explore artists including Michael Armitage, who was recently the focus of an exhibition at the Royal Academy of Art in London, as well as other important contemporary artists rising to fame such as Eddy Kamuanga Ilunga and Amoako Boafo (who recently collaborated with Dior on a bespoke clothing line). How are these artists drawing attention to their cultural heritage and dispelling stereotypes of black art? We will shed light on their incredible works and see what unites all their practices.

SPEAKER – BOJANA POPOVIC

Upon completing her Masters in Curating at The Courtauld Institute of Art, Bojana worked at TATE Britain and The Serpentine Galleries before seeking experience in the private art sector. For a few years she worked for private art galleries in Zurich and Paris before moving to the leading auction house, Christie’s, in London. During her four years at Christie’s she worked as a Specialist in the Post-War and Contemporary Art department where she also led art history lectures in collaboration with Christie’s Education’s MA programme. Since then, Bojana has been working as a freelance art consultant, Art History lecturer and writer.