A powerful solo exhibition by Tanzanian artist Sungi Mlengeya begins on June 20th at The Africa Centre in London. The exhibition celebrates the official opening of their brand new HQ and exhibition space in Southwark. It’s a big new chapter for this iconic institution for African culture in London which is celebrating with four days of events, discussion, music, food and art.
Titled ‘(Un)choreographed’, Sungi Mlengeya’s show of all new work is her first solo show in Europe and pays homage to the vivid history of dance and the myriad of ways dance creates liberation for women across the African Diaspora.
(Un)choreographed is a reflection of the artist’s growing interest in enriching herself in her abundant culture as a journey of discovery. For Mlengeya, this body of work asserts the control that women have over their bodies, this is epically pertinent in the case of Black women. Due to race and gender, when dancing Black women can often be sexualised, aren’t afforded vulnerability and are still victims of the patriarchy. As such the artist sees parallels between dance and the real lives of Black women occupying space. Dance is a celebration of existing in the bodies that are our homes, which we inhabit unchoreographed. It is this fluidity and ability to make change which gives the show its name. The paintings radiate energy and create a space of infinite possibilities. Foregrounding the Black female figure, her painting gives her subjects agency and power.
“I’m inspired by those women who rebel and do what they want, and I want to capture that strength for those who don’t feel they can or who are afraid. I want them to know that they can be these women, that they are these women,” Mlengeya has said.
Mlengeya was recently chosen for Apollo’s 40 Under 40 Africa and made an impact last year at Art Basel Miami Beach with her booth with Afriart Gallery one of the leading contemporary galleries shining a light on African artists.
The Africa Centre, 66-68 Great Suffolk Street, London, SE1 0BL from June 20th – 24th July.
