Ideas of Africa Portraiture and Political Imagination

Date(s)
Sunday, December 14th, 2025 - Saturday, July 25th, 2026
Street Address

MoMA, Floor 2, 2 South
The Paul J. Sachs Galleries
Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
11 West 53 Street, Manhattan
New York, New York, 10019

Can a photographic portrait inspire political imagination? Ideas of Africa: Portraiture and Political Imagination examines how photographers and their sitters contributed to the proliferation of Pan-African solidarity during the mid-20th century. Embracing the international spirit of the time, the exhibition gathers striking pictures by photographers working in Central and West African cities. They created images of everyday citizens, dazzling music scenes, and potent manifestations of youth culture that reflected emerging political realities.

Member Previews: ideas of Africa: Portraiture and Political Imagination
Gallery experience, for members

Thu, Dec 11, 10:30am – 5:30pm
MoMA, Floor 2

Fri, Dec 12, 10:30am – 8:30pm
MoMA, Floor 2

Sat, Dec 13, 10:30am – 5:30pm
MoMA, Floor 2

40.761548513689, -73.97737095

Ideas of Africa Portraiture and Political Imagination

Event Times

Mon - Sun 10:30am - 5:30pm