Absa Presents a Pan-African Series of Gallery Exhibitions Showcasing the Stories of L’Atelier Ambassadors

Absa proudly presents a Pan-African series of gallery exhibitions. These exhibitions feature the Absa L’Atelier Ambassadors. They are emerging contemporary African artists whose work captures the continent’s rich cultural narratives and creative brilliance. This series is a key component of the Absa L’Atelier programme. The programme is now in its 39th year and is one of Africa’s most prestigious platforms. It nurtures visual arts talent.

The 2025 series opens in Johannesburg. It features “Like the sky, I’ve been too quiet,” a deeply personal solo exhibition by Bulumko Mbete. Bulumko Mbete is the 2023 Absa L’Atelier Gerard Sekoto Award winner. Hosted at Gallery Momo, 52 7th Avenue, Parktown North, Johannesburg, the exhibition runs from 24 May to 27 June 2025. Mbete’s work explores themes of memory, inheritance, and familial narratives through ceramics, sound installations, and natural materials. Her art reflects on her grandfather’s 1997 road trip across South Africa. She reconstructs memories and stories through multidisciplinary installations. These installations evoke intimate connections between self, nature, and ancestry.

The series will travel across Africa after Johannesburg. It will showcase other ambassadors, including Badru Taofeek and Emmanuel Idowu from Lagos. Gandor Collins is from Ghana. Adelheid Franciwicz is in Cape Town. Joe Gayi is in Uganda, and Edward Lawerh is in Ghana. Each exhibition highlights diverse themes. These range from urban resilience and identity to historical reflection. They also explore the interplay of tradition and modernity. This offers audiences a rich panorama of African contemporary art.

Beyond exhibitions, the Absa L’Atelier programme provides mentorship, resources, and international residencies. One of these opportunities is the prestigious three-month residency in Paris, awarded to the Gerard Sekoto winner. This comprehensive support empowers artists to develop their careers and amplify African voices globally.

Through this Pan-African exhibition series, Absa reaffirms its belief in the transformative power of art. It also emphasizes storytelling. The series celebrates the continent’s vibrant cultural heritage and future. Every artist’s story matters, and Absa is committed to seeing, supporting, and sharing these stories with the world.

#WeSeeYourStory #YourStoryMatters