The Museum of the African Diaspora (MoAD) in San Francisco presents an extraordinary exhibition titled "Black Venus," curated by the Nigerian-British curator and art historian Aindrea Emelife. Running from April 5 to August 20, 2023, this groundbreaking exhibition delves into the representation of Black women in visual culture, exploring the transition from fetishized colonial-era caricatures to the powerful works of over 20 contemporary artists. Through various mediums, including photography, sculpture, mixed media, and film, "Black Venus" offers a profound exploration of the rich complexity of Black womanhood.

Viewers are invited to confront the racial and sexual objectification and embodied resistance that make up a significant part of the Black woman’s experience – and to celebrate the current upheaval of this stereotype, at the hands of Black artists.Aindrea Emelife

"Black Venus" is a cross-generational investigation, showcasing historical archival depictions dating back to 1793 alongside vibrant, narrative portraiture by influential contemporary Black artists. The exhibition challenges the historical fetishization of the Black female body and highlights the ongoing reclamation of agency by Black women.

At the heart of "Black Venus" lies the exploration of the Hottentot Venus, an archetype derived from the life of Saartje Baartman, an enslaved South African woman who was cruelly exhibited and objectified due to her non-Western body type. The exhibition thoughtfully juxtaposes archival depictions of Baartman and other historical Black women with the vibrant and expressive portraiture created by today's most influential Black artists. This approach empowers Black women to reclaim their narratives and challenges the Western exoticization and othering they have endured throughout history.

"Black Venus" features an impressive lineup of contemporary artists whose works celebrate the resilience and strength of Black womanhood. Artists such as Sadie Barnette, Deana Lawson, Zanele Muholi, Kara Walker, and Carrie Mae Weems are among the visionaries contributing to this powerful narrative. Through their art, they explore and honor the multi-layered experiences and identities of Black women, giving voice to their struggles, triumphs, and complexities.

The exhibition embraces the theme of gaze reclamation, with artists employing diverse approaches to challenge and disrupt power dynamics. Renowned artist Renee Cox, in her work "Hott-en-tot" (1993-1994), embodies the Hottentot Venus herself, powerfully gazing back at viewers and reclaiming agency from centuries of objectification. The show also references cultural icon Joséphine Baker, who influenced Western perceptions of Black women.

"Black Venus" champions the diversity and complexity of the contemporary Black female experience. The exhibition showcases works that span cultural and generational contexts, immersing viewers in distinct zeitgeists while highlighting the shared struggles and progress made by Black women. By presenting personal and larger-commentary pieces, the exhibition reminds us that Black women's experiences are not monolithic, allowing visitors to appreciate the vast tapestry of narratives and identities within the Black community.

"Black Venus" calls attention to the need for increased visibility and empowerment for Black women. Through the inclusion of self-portraits by Carla Williams, captured during the late 1980s and early 1990s, the exhibition illustrates the importance of representing Black bodies on their own terms. These intimate, humorous, and powerful images showcase the exploration of physicality, beauty, sexuality, power, and pleasure while reminding us of the ongoing necessity to make Black bodies seen.

In an age where Black women are taking positions in power, fronting the covers of fashion magazines, and taking up space in all manner of fields and industries, it is a reminder to look back and see how far we’ve come, so we can look to the future.  The most contemporary examples in the show are unabashed, riotous affronts showcasing all that Black womanhood can be and has always been.Aindrea Emelife

The "Black Venus" exhibition at MoAD offers a thought-provoking and empowering journey through the representation of Black women in visual culture. From historical depictions rooted in exploitation and objectification to the dynamic and empowering works of contemporary Black artists, this exhibition creates a space for reflection, celebration, and dialogue. As we confront the historical challenges faced by Black women and witness their ongoing reclamation of agency, "Black Venus" serves as a reminder of the remarkable progress made and the continued work required to celebrate and uplift Black womanhood in all its complexity.

Can't make it to San Francisco? The exhibition will also be showcased at Somerset House in London from July 20 to September 24.

Participating artists include:

Sadie Barnette (b. 1984, Oakland, CA)

Widline Cadet (b. 1992, Pétion-Ville, Haiti)

Shawanda Corbett (b. 1989, New York, NY)

Renee Cox (b. 1960, Colgate, Jamaica)

Taiye Idahor (b. 1984, Lagos, Nigeria)

Ayana V. Jackson (b. 1977, Livingston, NJ)

Deana Lawson (b. 1979, Rochester, NY)

Zanele Muholi (b. 1972, Umlazi, South Africa)

Jenn Nkiru (b. 1987, London, UK)

yétúndé olagbaju (b. 1990)

Frida Orupabo (B. 1986, Sarpsporg, Norway)

Amber Pinkerton (b. 1997, Kingston, Jamaica)

Tabita Rezaire (b. 1989, Paris, France)

Coreen Simpson (b. 1942, New York, NY)

Lorna Simpson (b. 1960, Brooklyn, NY)

Ming Smith (b. 1950, Detroit, MI)

Maud Sulter (b. 1960, Glasgow, Scotland; d. 2008, Dumfries, Scotland)

Kara Walker (b. 1969, Stockton, CA)

Carrie Mae Weems (b. 1953, Portland, OR)

Alberta Whittle (b. 1980, Bridgetown, Barbados)

Carla Williams (b. 1965, Los Angeles, CA)