Sankofa is the idea of moving forward while reaching back to connect to one’s heritage. It is the notion that taking pride in heritage helps us to move into the future. Sankofa: African Routes, Canadian Roots is a thought-provoking exhibition that looks at some of the divergent—and often fragmented—paths of political mobilization and cultural assertion that African and Black people in the diaspora have taken. Centered on works by contemporary artists from Lagos, Nigeria, and Vancouver, in conversation with objects in MOA’s permanent collection, this exhibition shares stories, histories and projects of African and Black affirmation. In particular, it draws connections to historical contributions and the growing vitality of Black Canadians in Vancouver.

Curated by Nya Lewis (founder + director, BlackArt Gastown), Nuno Porto (MOA Curator, Africa + South America) and Titilope Salami (PhD candidate, Department of Art History, Visual Art and Theory, UBC).

Pre-recorded remarks at 7 pm.