Maro Itoje: A History Untold

Maro Itoje

SIGNATURE AFRICA Art have announced a new group exhibition, A History Untold which explores Black histories that are absent from the UK school curriculum, presented in partnership with England International Rugby player Maro Itoje and curated by Lisa Anderson.

Throughout my time in school I learnt very little about Africa and black history

Maro Itoje

A strong advocate for education and the Black Curriculum, the theme of the exhibition was conceptualised by Itoje and inspired by his personal experience of schooling on Black history.

A History Untold features new work by six African and Diaspora artists. These works celebrate Black history and the contributions Black figures have made to civilisation and society across the centuries.

From the origins of mathematics to jazz, the exhibition reveals lesser-known stories and addresses the oversimplified history of colonialism in the current system through a post-colonial lens.

Presented across both floors of the gallery, A History Untold features works by African artists Giggs Kgole, Djakou Kassi Nathalie, Steve Ekpenisi and Damilola Okhoya on the top floor and an immersive installation featuring sculpture and sound by British-Ghanaian artists Adelaide Damoah and Peter Adjaye on the ground floor.

“Throughout my time in school I learnt very little about Africa and black history and it was only upon leaving formal education that I began to discover the colossal contribution it has had to the world we live in today,” Itoje admitted.

The England Rugby player and philanthropist added: “By celebrating black history and the black contribution to society, A History Untold aims to underline the importance of including more black history on the British national curriculum so young people growing up have a wider and more informed view of the world, breaking down biases that currently exist.”

“It’s never been more urgent to question the history we’ve been taught and consider what we know from different perspectives, in order to disrupt and transform the inequalities that flagrant omissions and mistruths have caused,” said curator Lisa Anderson.

She added: “This show seeks to challenge viewers to adopt a more critical approach to history through the lens of African artists on the continent and the Diaspora, whilst celebrating fundamental fields of knowledge that source their root in Africa.”

Signature African Art will donate 15 per cent of the proceeds generated from A History Untoldto local and nationalcommunity initiatives including a series of public art projects, which aim to raise awareness of the gaps in the currentcurriculum.

A History Untold aims to educate audiences and invites viewers to consider the history they have been taught. It seeks to inspire change in the curriculum and hope in the liberatory force of education.

Grenfell campaigners call for government to set deadline to remove all cladding

Comments Form

1 Comment

  1. | R

    I think what they did to those people are evil and wicked. If black people knew the reality of what goes on in the UK they’d turn their attention away from CLADDING. I feel sorry for our generation. There’s no education and no real consciousness in terms of how deep racism goes in the UK. Grenfell is identical to the New Cross fires. The only difference is the deep brain washing of black folk which is hard to grapple with. Ethnic communities are non the wiser too and so I feel it’s time to at least try to help bring awareness of this. I know what I am talking about. These issues run deep and go far. Grenfell was no accident and stop blaming, solely CLADDING!

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

*
*

Support The Voice

The Voice Newspaper is committed to celebrating black excellence, campaigning for positive change and informing the black community on important issues. Your financial contributions are essential to protect the future of the publication as we strive to help raise the profile of the black communities across the UK. Any size donation is welcome and we thank you for your continued support.

Support Sign-up