Exhibition Concept: This collaborative exhibition is the result of a semester-long project developed by a collective of art and art history students from Colorado State University studying contemporary art and artists from the African continent. Our course of study challenged hegemonic perspectives that have historically positioned African artists and arts as “exotic” or “primitive,” while also critiquing the art historical usage of terms such as “traditional,” “contemporary,” and “African.” We wanted to create this exhibition to showcase how African artists utilize digital media to explore identity. We are extremely excited to feature the work of juried artists and to present digital arts from across the African continent and diaspora to in-person audiences in Fort Collins, Colorado, and Nkangala, South Africa, & across the web.

DESCRIPTION: As one of the first international collaborative exhibitions to solely highlight the works of African artists working in digital media, Illuminating Identity aims to break down stereotypes revolving around the African continent by showcasing African artists working in electronic media. The proposed theme of African identity is open to artists' personal interpretation, without any specific constraints. This juried exhibition will run from September 25, 2024 – December 15, 2024.

AWARDS: Two $300 prizes will be awarded through a juried and public vote held in person and online. Awards will be announced in October, 2024. ​​This is an in-person event that will also be accessible online through the exhibition website.