Nola Reporter

The New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA) is set to unveil a significant exhibition, "New African Masquerades: Artistic Innovations and Collaborations," in April 2025. This exhibition will showcase the works of four contemporary artists from West Africa: Chief Ekpenyong Bassey Nsa, Sheku “Goldenfinger” Fofanah, David Sanou, and Hervé Youmbi. Organized in collaboration with the Musée des Civilisations noires in Dakar, Senegal, the exhibition aims to present masquerade as a global form of artistic expression.

Susan M. Taylor, The Montine McDaniel Freeman Director of NOMA, highlighted the significance of this event by stating, “This exhibition offers an important opportunity to see masquerade as a global form of artistic expression, performance, and cultural heritage.”

The exhibition will be on display from April 4 to August 10, 2025, at NOMA’s Ella West Freeman Galleries. It will also be presented concurrently for African audiences—a first for exhibitions spanning both North America and Africa.

"New African Masquerades" delves into the diverse practices of masquerade across different cultures. The ensembles featured are crafted from materials such as wood, cloth, sequins, feathers, and cowry shells. These items represent various masquerade traditions and societies.

Amanda M. Maples, Françoise Billion Richardson Curator of African Art at NOMA remarked on the importance of reframing masquerade as a vibrant contemporary practice that connects past genres with today’s global context. She said museum visitors would gain insight into "masquerade as a rich collection of artistic practices today."

In addition to physical displays, the exhibition includes photography and immersive video experiences that provide unique insights into these art forms. Hervé Youmbi emphasized his role in addressing ethical questions related to presenting African masks internationally: “It’s also...a question of envisaging new ways of collecting and exhibiting them.”

The accompanying catalogue provides detailed analyses and artist biographies alongside discussions on ethics in commissioning and acquiring masquerade art.

After its run at NOMA, "New African Masquerades" will travel to several North American venues before moving on to African museums including Musée des Civilisations noires in Dakar.

Charlie Tatum serves as Director of Marketing and Communications for NOMA and can be contacted for more information at ctatum@noma.org or by phone at 504-658-4103.