## Alserkal Avenue’s New Gem: Efie Gallery
In April, Dubai’s vibrant Alserkal Avenue welcomed its first dedicated African art gallery, the Efie Gallery, adding a fresh twist to the city’s burgeoning contemporary art scene. Located among over 70 art galleries, this 4,400 sq. ft. space aims to elevate narratives from the African continent, showcasing diverse artistic expressions that challenge perceptions and inspire dialogue.
### Opening Exhibition: A Journey of Land and Belonging
The Efie Gallery debuted with a striking exhibition featuring Afro-Cuban artist María Magdalena Campos-Pons. Her work poignantly explores themes of land and belonging, drawing on her cultural heritage. Visitors are immediately transported through Campos-Pons’ eye-catching sculptures inspired by sugar cane, evoking memories of Cuba’s sugar plantations where her ancestors endured the brutal realities of slavery.
### A Deep Dive into African Art
Upon entering the gallery, one is enveloped by a sense of vastness; the high ceilings serve as a canvas for expressive pieces. Beyond Campos-Pons’ work, smaller rooms exhibit pivotal pieces from renowned African artists. Ghanaian master El Anatsui’s aluminum bottle cap sculptures reflect the interplay of culture and commerce, while Ethiopian artist Aïda Muluneh’s captivating photography bridges tradition and modernity. A vibrant mural by Mali’s Abdoulaye Konaté further enhances this diverse atmosphere.
Kwame Mintah, one of the founders, passionately articulates the gallery’s vision, stating, “We thought we should have a roster so diverse that one day you can come to an exhibition and absolutely hate it; the next month you can love it.” This commitment underscores the gallery’s mission: to depict the multifaceted nature of African art without the constraints of preconceived narratives.
### The Mintah Family’s Vision
The Mintah family, comprising Kwame, his brother Kobe, and their mother Valentina, embarked on this artistic journey fueled by a desire to reshape the continent’s image in the global art arena. Their background, though not steeped in formal art education, is rich with life experiences that drive their ambition to represent Africa authentically.
“We didn’t grow up wanting to become artists; we just grew up knowing who we are and wanting to portray it,” Kwame reveals, reflecting on their long stint in the UK and the UAE. The family observed that Western perceptions often pigeonholed African art as inferior, relegating it to themes of “crafts” or “wildlife.” In contrast, the UAE’s art landscape presented an opportunity for a more expansive narrative, allowing them to redefine African art.
### Forging Cross-Cultural Connections
Within Dubai’s cosmopolitan backdrop, the Efie Gallery serves more than just an exhibition space; it is a platform for cross-cultural exchange. With over 200 nationalities residing in the UAE, the gallery goes beyond showcasing art. It hosts auctions, facilitates artist residencies, and engages with local communities, enhancing understanding and appreciation for African culture.
Kwame emphasizes the gallery’s mission to create meaningful dialogues: “When artists come, they first engage with local artists and institutions to understand where they are… and then they create based on this exchange.” Future plans include a bilateral program allowing Middle Eastern artists to explore Africa, further bridging cultural gaps.
### An Inclusive Artistic Experience
A unique feature of the Efie Gallery is its cozy listening room, which houses a collection of over 2,000 vinyl and shellac records spanning decades. Featuring the likes of Nigeria’s Fela Kuti and Algeria’s Warda, this auditory experience invites visitors to engage with African music in a new light. “At most galleries worldwide, you feel like you cannot talk… As Africans, we are all about community, and adding this musical element makes our space inviting,” Kwame explains.
### Upcoming Exhibitions
The excitement continues with upcoming exhibitions. Following Campos-Pons’ impactful installation, the Efie Gallery is set to host a film and photographic exhibition curated by Nigeria’s Ose Ekore. This showcase will underline narratives of healing, growth, and understanding through time, featuring artists like Samuel Fosso and Kelani Abass. Saudi Arabian artists will also join the lineup, paying homage to ancestral ties to Africa.
#### The Importance of Ownership in Narratives
As the Efie Gallery challenges stereotypes and reclaims histories, the Mintah family advocates for Africans to own their creative spaces. “Art is like the fabric of society. We have to own our narrative… There are references that unless you are from the continent, you will not understand,” Kwame asserts passionately. Their mission aligns with a broader call for increased representation and visibility of African artists in the global arena.
With its rich tapestry of exhibitions and initiatives, the Efie Gallery stands as a beacon of hope and creativity. It is not merely a gallery; it is a celebration of African art, culture, and identity, inviting everyone to engage in a shared journey of discovery.
