Art-Alkebulan and 202 Gallery presents: Beyond Boarders

EXHIBITION STATEMENT

Art-Alkebulan, in collaboration with 202 Gallery, proudly presents Beyond Borders—an extraordinary exhibition celebrating the creativity, originality, and cultural richness of artists of African descent.Featuring an electrifying collection of paintings, drawings, sculptures, masks, and mixed media works, this landmark showcase brings together 50 artists from 20 countries across Africa, Europe, the U.S., and the Caribbean.

Through this diverse and dynamic choice, Beyond Borders highlights the expansive range of contemporary African diasporic art. The exhibition harnesses the power of artistic expression to transcend geographic, cultural, and conceptual boundaries, sparking compelling conversations around identity, heritage, and evolving narratives. It challenges conventions, reimagines traditions, and explores new artistic frontiers—offering audiences a rare opportunity to see the depth and breadth of African artistic innovation.

Some featured artists include:

Oliver Enwonwu (UK) – Award-winning painter, first recipient of King Charles' Artist-in-Residence program, and son of legendary artist Prof. Ben Enwonwu (MBE).

Kelvin Okafor (UK) – Acclaimed "Emotional Realism" artist, known for hyper-realistic portraits of celebrities such as Amy Winehouse and Beyoncé.

Jan Raats (South Africa) – Storyteller and winner of the 2023 Casa Del Arte Prize, Spain, and Swiss Art Expo Sponsorship.

Style Kunda (Zambia) – Three-time Ngoma Award winner presented by the Zambian National Arts Council.

Joshua Donkor (UK) – Winner of the Royal Society of British Artists Rising Star Award (2024).

Kevin Nzumbi Mutemi (Europe) – Winner of The Pastel Society President’s Award (2025).

Lawrence Yombwe (Zambia) –Renowned Master Artist, Presidential and Ngoma Award Winner.

Tony Enebeli (West Africa) – Master of Plastocast and Foil Relief Painting, and mentee of Dr. Bruce Onobrakpeya.

Jonathan Amartey (Austria/Ghana) – Celebrated for his work in Fiberglass Relief Painting.

Moulaye Sarr (Gambia/Senegal) – Creator of Awa, A Beautiful Lady, a Public Mural for Belgium’s Crystal Ship Arts Festival.

Haji Chilonga (Tanzania) – Internationally recognized for his vibrant depictions of daily life; winner of Italy’s 150-Year Unification competition.

Agnes Buya Yombwe (Zambia) –Exceptional Visual Artist, Presidential and Gabrielle Ellison Award Winner.

Kiara Ama Jade (UK/Dominica) – Sculptor, Installation Artist, Solo exhibitor (Noire Realms, 2025), and collaborator with global brands such as H&M and Dolce & Gabbana.

Cerena Parkinson (US/Caribbean) – MFA from University of Oxford, Pastel Society 2025 Selected Artist.

Claudia Smith (UK/Grenada) – Artist and Couturier, Founder of CenturyB4, exploring culture and history.

Alexis Oppong Kakyire (USA/Ghana) – Multidisciplinary Artist and Storyteller.

Zacharia Mbutha (Kenya) – Veteran artist with exhibitions in France, Japan, and Germany; winner of the French Cultural Centre Art Panorama (1992).

Nelson Okoh (Nigeria) – Internationally acclaimed Portrait Painter.

Kingsley Ayogu (Nigeria) – Exhibitor at the 2024 1-54 African Art Fair, London.

Felix Innocent (Nigeria) – Renowned for precise and meticulous Sculptures.

Simon Muriithi and Dan Kinyanjui (Kenya) – Known for Humor-infused visual works.

Chansa Chishimba (Zambia) – Veteran Painter working on Papaya Tree Bark Fiber.

Eze Okechukwu (Nigeria) – Specializes in Sand-Beads on board and Acrylic on Wood.

Ian Mwesiga (Uganda) – Celebrated Painter with practice built around inert Topography.

Powell Matsongoni(Zimbabwe) – Known for Nature basedPaintings and a champion for people who are hard of hearing.

Beyond Borders is not only a celebration—It is a global movement redefining how African diasporic art is perceived, valued, and appreciated.

Coinciding with the exhibition, Art-Alkebulan will launch the Art-Alkebulan App, a groundbreaking digital platform that elevates and connects artists and crafts persons of African descent. The app will serve as a centralized space for artists at various career stages to exhibit, sell their work, and connect with collectors. It aims to foster sustainable careers and legacies while providing ongoing updates on exhibitions, trends, and critical discourse within the global African art scene.

Furthering its commitment to social impact, Beyond Borders supports The Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospital Charity Arts, which champions creative health programs within the UK’s leading Heart and Lung Specialist Centre. This collaboration underscores the transformative power of art in healing and community wellbeing.

Exhibition Dates: June 26th–28th, 2025

Venue: Different Gallery, 14 Percy Street, London, W1T 1DR

RB&H ARTS STATEMENT: PROMOTING PATIENT WELLBEING THROUGH THE ARTS

RB&HArts runs an innovative programme of creative health to support and inspire patients, families, and staff at Royal Brompton and Harefield hospitals - the UK’s leading specialist centre for heart and lung health.

The evidence shows that creativity plays a vital role in everyone’s lives. Art in hospitals helps people deal with pain, stress, and anxiety. Creative health activities support people to live with chronic conditions, build communities, and develop good mental health. RB&HArts’ programmes of visual art, performing arts and creative participation reach over 5000 people a year.

RB&HArts is generously supported by Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals Charity, and all of our programme costs are fundraised via charitable donations. Every donation you give goes straight to delivering creativity and inspiration to our hospital communities.

https://www.rbhcharity.org/fun...