Field Notes: LACMA’s Imagining Black Diasporas: 21st-Century Art and Poetics
Welcome to Field Notes, a NOMMO blog series that reviews exhibitions focused on Black history, art, and culture. Traditionally, field notes record a researcher's observations and insights from their fieldwork. Our notes highlight recent African/Diasporic experiences in museums to promote accessibility for all.
At NOMMO, we firmly believe in the transformative power of museum exhibitions and their critical role in shaping, acknowledging, and legitimizing the narratives of diverse communities—particularly those of people of color. These exhibitions serve not merely as displays of art or history but are vital platforms for storytelling, offering profound insights into marginalized groups' shared experiences and journeys. Especially with exhibitions centered on Blackness and the broader African Diaspora, we can capture and celebrate the rich tapestry of histories that have often remained unrecognized or understated in the Western narrative.
One exceptional exhibition that embodies this mission is LACMA's "Imagining Black Diasporas: 21st-Century Art and Poetic Transitions." This exhibition goes beyond the traditional bounds of what an art show represents; it is an essential retelling of artistic expressions that emanate from the African Diaspora, thoughtfully structured around four significant themes: speech and silence, movement and transformation, imagination and representation. Each theme delves deeply into complex concepts, inviting viewers to engage intellectually and emotionally with the artwork on display.
Curated by the insightful Dhyandra Lawson, "Imagining Black Diasporas" features a diverse and impressive roster of artists, each of whom contributes their unique voices and perspectives to the narrative. Among them are renowned figures such as Yinka Shonibare CBE RA, Igshaan Adams, Mark Bradford, Sanford Biggers, Nick Cave, Deana Lawson, Ibrahim Mahama, Abdoulaye Ndoye, Wangechi Mutu, and Lorna Simpson. The exhibition represents a mosaic of contemporary art that reflects Black identity's dynamism, resilience, and creativity.
In celebration of Black History Month, our visit to "Imagining Black Diasporas" revealed an exhibition that is thought-provoking and visually captivating, drawing in visitors from the moment they step into the gallery. Located on the second floor of the Broad Contemporary Art Museum (BCAM) at LACMA, the show boasts nearly 70 works encompassing various mediums such as painting, sculpture, photography, works on paper, and time-based media. Each piece beckons viewers to immerse themselves in the thematic core of the exhibition. For instance, Glenn Ligon's bold and provocative use of text challenges societal norms and perceptions. At the same time, Calida Rawles' luminous, aquatic portrayals of Black bodies evoke a sense of beauty, grace, and importance in Black representation.
Through its robust curation, striking visual storytelling, and intentional thematic exploration, "Imagining Black Diasporas" is an artistic and historical intervention. It compels us to reflect on our past, engage meaningfully with our present, and envision a more inclusive future for Black representation in the arts. This exhibition is a celebration of artistic achievement and a clarion call for ongoing dialogue regarding identity, memory, and the essential narrative of the Black experience in contemporary culture. By entering these conversations, we move towards a more just and equitable society that honors the richness of diverse histories and perspectives.
Overall, this exhibit is a must-see for anyone who loves Black contemporary art. It features everything one could need, including an entire section dedicated to the readings that informed Pan-Africanism and diasporic thinking. The exhibit will be on view until August 3, 2025.
