In the Wings, 2014, Oil-based printing ink, oil bar on canvas by Portia Zvavahera. Photo by Noah Washington/The Atlanta VoiceFriday, Sept. 13 was the anniversary of the Cape Town Peace March. Now nearly 40 years later, that history is commemorated with the opening of the “If You Can Look Hard Enough, You Can See Our Future” exhibition at the African Diaspora Art Museum of Atlanta (ADAMA). Dr. Fahamu Pecou, founder of ADAMA, expressed excitement about the exhibit, saying, “We really want to highlight the diversity of the African diaspora, demonstrating all of the innovative and exciting ways that Black artists around the world are engaging in contemporary arts.” ADAMA’s mission aligns with the exhibition’s goal, amplifying the art and culture of the diaspora. Pecou emphasized the significance of having the Nando’s collection in Atlanta, noting, “The Nando’s collection is extremely significant to have here in our space”. The exhibition opens just before the third annual Atlanta Art Week on September 20 and will run through November 2. Located in Pittsburgh, one of Atlanta’s historically Black neighborhoods, ADAMA stays committed to its mission of preserving and highlighting the rich history of the community. Pecou spoke to the importance of staying in this area amid the rapid gentrification, explaining, “Pittsburgh is one of the first developments of free Black communities in the city of Atlanta. There’s a rich, deep, storied history of Black people in this community.”The exhibition connects international art with the local Atlanta community, particularly the youth, providing them a direct link to global Black experiences. “We want people to feel like in order to have an art experience, you don’t have to go to Midtown, you can experience art and culture right in your own neighborhood,” Pecou said, stressing the importance of accessibility and representation in the arts.Laurie Ann Farrell, the curator of this exhibition, who has institutions such as the Museum for African Art in New York. She played a key role in bringing this exhibition to Atlanta. Farrell has long been involved with contemporary African art and curated several exhibitions. She explained that her passion for the African diaspora started with the show, “Looking Both Ways: Art of the Contemporary African Diaspora” in 2003. Her deep understanding of cross-cultural narratives and her dedication to making African artists visible are reflected in the selection of works on display. Each piece featured comes from the esteemed Nando’s collection, which highlights Southern African contemporary art.Pietá, 2019, Acrylic paint, on found paper by Vivien Kohler. Photo by Noah Washington/The Atlanta VoiceADAMA and Farrell’s collaboration brought together 30 carefully selected pieces from Nando’s larger 27,000-piece collection. Featuring artists include globally acclaimed Vivian Kohler, Portia Zvavahera, and Mbongeni Buthelezi. “The quality is incredible, and what I noticed is a rich diversity in themes like portraiture, place, and abstraction,” Farrell commented. She explained how these works collectively provide a visual narrative deeply rooted in South African history while remaining universally accessible.The exhibition also honors the legacy of Dick Enthoven, a South African billionaire and the patron behind the Nando’s collection, who passed away in 2022, who played a role in ending apartheid in South Africa. His belief in art as a tool for social change lives on through this exhibition, Farrell noted. Enthoven’s deep ties to South African artists and his support for their work enabled the growth and success of many emerging voices in the art world.As Atlanta continues to emerge as a cultural hub, “If You Can Look Hard Enough, You Can See Our Future” serves as a bridge between the local community and the global diaspora. For Dr. Pecou, this exhibition offers the same opportunities for artistic discovery that were scarce in his youth. “Your imagination can run wild, where your heart’s passions and desires can be fully expressed,” Pecou said, envisioning ADAMA as a place where the dreams of Black youth are cultivated and celebrated.The post ADAMA celebrates 40th anniversary of Cape Town Peace March appeared first on The Atlanta Voice.