When We See Us. A Century of Black Figuration in Painting

A first in Switzerland, "When We See Us" at Kunstmuseum Basel presents a kaleidoscope of Black figurative painting from the past one hundred years. The exhibition at the Kunstmuseum

Basel | Gegenwart showcases over 150 paintings by 120 artists from Africa or the African diaspora. Most of the works have never been displayed in Switzerland, nor indeed ever been shown on such a scale in Europe. "When We See Us represents" a new self-image of Black artists, who are rewriting art history after centuries of white dominance over the art canon.

The show foregrounds Black joy, which comes into view in scenes of everyday life, of revelry, triumph, and emancipation, but also in instants of repose, sensuality, and spirituality. The exhibition was conceived and organized by the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa, Cape Town. It is accompanied by a diverse program of events featuring guided tours, literature, music, performances, talks, and workshops.