Perspectives from the ARAK Collection Programme | ‘Confluence’

Perspectives from the ARAK Collection 

Talks Programme | ‘Confluence’ 

As the global art landscape shifts, new dialogues emerge, fostering the possibility for deeper cultural exchange. Conceived by Dr. Sara Bint Moneer Khan,’Confluence’ is a thought-provoking talk series that explores the evolving relationship between African contemporary art and the Chinese art scene. It is intended as an accompaniment to “Perspectives from the ARAK Collection”,which brings together three distinct curatorial projects by Nneoma Angela Okorie,E.N. Mirembe and Jamil Osmar Parasol developed in2023 as part of ARAK’s Curatorial Fellowship Programme that examine, among other things, African identities, movements and imagined futures. Conceived by Dr. Sara Bint Moneer Khan, this programme features leading artists, curators and collectors who will unpack the significance of African art in China today, the role of collectors in shaping its journey, the deep historical connections between the two regions and the future of artistic innovation in an increasingly tech-driven world. 

‍28 March 

Not open to public. 

10AM – 6PM: VIP Guests Private Viewing (by invitation only for ARAK Collection & Artron Art Group guests)

29 March: 2 – 3PM 

Talk 1. Why African art matters in China today 

Speakers:  

Mr Wang Chunchen  

Ashraf Jamal   

Lifang Zhang (Moderator) 

As the global art landscape evolves, showcasing African contemporary art in China has become both timely and significant. Africa’s art scene is thriving, characterised by dynamic creativity, a growing market and increasing global recognition. Simultaneously, China’s artistic landscape has transformed through rapid economic growth, urbanisation and greater global engagement.

Building on Nneoma Angela Okorie’s curatorial exploration in Beyond the Chrysalis, this talk will foreground the transformative capacity of art. How might the interweaving of these worlds help to construct counter-narratives, challenge stereotypes, broaden cultural understanding and foster meaningful connections? In establishing such points of connection, how might practitioners in the arts represent both the plurality and singularity of experiences conveyed, opening doors to deeper cross-continental dialogue and exchange? 

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29 March: 3:15 – 4:15PM  

Talk 2. Collectors Without Borders: Shaping the Journey of African Art   

Speakers:  

Mr Jiang Jun

Heba El Kayal 

Sven Christian (Moderator) 

Private collectors and patrons play a key role in shaping the visibility, appreciation and sustainability of African contemporary art on the global stage. This panel will explore how collectors both seasoned and new can meaningfully engage with African art, not just as buyers but as cultural ambassadors and advocates.

The discussion will cover essential topics such as ethical collecting practices, fostering long-term support systems for artists and the responsibilities that come with patronage, particularly in cross-cultural contexts like the ARAK Collection. Speakers will also address the evolving perception of African art in global markets, its economic and cultural significance, strategies for expanding its reach to new audiences and the responsibilities that such expansion entails. Ultimately, the panel aims to provide collectors with insights into building impactful, sustainable relationships with African artists and institutions.   

30 March: 12:45 – 13:45PM 

Talk 3: “African Art: The ARAK Collection“ and the Place of Publishing in African Contemporary Art 

Speakers:  

Ashraf Jamal 

David Mann 

Sven Christian (Moderator) 

A discussion about the recently launched book African Art: The ARAK Collection, which was published by Skira, will provide context into the making of the book, the works therein, and the speakers’ ongoing engagement with ARAK Collection, particularly its role in strengthening artistic communities on the continent and forging platforms for the production and dissemination of knowledge.  

30 March: 2 – 3PM 

Talk 4. Echoes of Trade: art, history, and the ties between Africa and China   

Speakers:  

Dr. Neelima Jeychandran 

Thembinkosi Goniwe 

Dr . Sara Bint Moneer Khan (Moderator) 

The historical and cultural exchanges between Africa and China span centuries, from ancient maritime trade routes to today’s expanding economic and artistic collaborations.This panel builds on E.N. Mirembe’s polyphonic vision of East Africa in The Geography of Fixed Things to explore how such historical interactions have shaped contemporary cultural dialogue, artistic practices and international partnerships.

By revisiting key moments such as Zheng He’s voyages and the Silk Road’s influence on African-Chinese trade the discussion will highlight how art serves as both a historical record and bridge for future connections. Speakers will examine how these exchanges continue to inspire artistic expression, challenge conventional narratives and foster deeper understanding between the two regions. This conversation will also consider how modern-day collaborations in the art world can be informed by these historical ties, creating new opportunities for cross-cultural engagement and shared artistic innovation.   

30 March: 3:15 – 4:15PM 

Talk 5: “Split Realities: How Innovation and Art-Tech Are Shaping African Art Futures”   

Speakers: 

David Mann 

Ashraf Jamal 

Dr . Sara Bint Moneer Khan (Moderator) 

This talk departs from Split Infinity by Jamil Osmar Parasol, which proposes that African art has always engaged with ideas of the future through storytelling, material invention, and speculative world-building. Inspired by gaming logic and nonlinear narratives, the exhibition positions artists as “players” shaping their own creative landscapes, while audiences experience these evolving worlds like NPCs (non-playable characters).

Expanding on these ideas, this discussion explores how African artists are leveraging AI, interactive media, and new digital frameworks to experiment with authorship, ownership, and artistic innovation. What futures emerge when art and technology intersect, and how might these creative tools reshape the possibilities of African art?

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