When We See Us

The exhibition’s title is inspired by the 2019 Netflix miniseries “When They See Us” by African-American director Ava DuVernay, which focuses on how Black youth are seen as potential criminals and thus as a threat. Replacing “they” with “we” in the title indicates the crucial perspectival shift.

The works on show bring into focus the artists’ lived realities as subject of their own art. Amounting to over 150 pieces, the artworks are grouped into six distinct thematic categories entitled “The Everyday”, “Joy & Revelry”, ”Repose”, “Sensuality”, “Spirituality”, and “Triumph and Emancipation”.

This multifaceted special exhibition at the Kunstmuseum Basel | Gegenwart introduces viewers to figurative painting by Black artists from Africa and the African Diaspora dating from the 1920s through to the present.

Artists: Michael Armitage, Njideka Akunyili Crosby, Romare Bearden, Ben Enwonwu, Joy Labinjo, Jacob Lawrence, Danielle McKinney, Sungi Mlengeya, Mmapula Mmakgabo Helen Sebidi, Chéri Samba, Amy Sherald, Cyprien Tokoudagba, Zandile Tshabalala, Lynette Yiadom-Boakye, and many more.