Achille Mbembe is a Cameroonian philosopher and political scientist who proposed that people should imagine “a world in common” by “thinking the world from Africa.” This idea is part of a strong and ever-growing movement of activists, artists and thinkers who are recentring the continent in the global narrative. Western ideas of international development have long been absent of African voices, impacting business, trade and tourism. A 2024 report, published in the Guardian, concluded that negative stereotypes in the media cost Africa £3.2 billion a year.
Now, C/O Berlin presents an exhibition that builds upon the work of Mbembe, reframing historical accounts from the perspective of African artists. The 23 featured photographers and filmmakers challenge limits imposed by stereotypes. C/O Berlin follows Tate’s massively successful 2023 show of the same name, bringing these contemporary works to an even wider audience.
A World in Common features Atong Atem, who celebrates Africa’s strong tradition of portrait photography. Studios boomed in the 1950s and 1960s, documenting populations as many nations were gaining independence. Dawit L. Petros confronts the pervading legacy of colonialism and its impact on modern societies. Meanwhile, artists like Santu Mofokeng and Aïda Muluneh look forward, visualising a world that exists beyond imperial exploitation. Muluneh is known for Afrofuturism photography, using vibrant colours and body painting to make surreal scenes. C/O Berlin invites viewers to imagine a reality in which Africa is at the heart of worldwide conversation, collaboration and progress.
A World in Common | C/O Berlin | Until 7 May
Image credit: Atong Atem, Dit, 2015 © Atong Atem. Courtesy of MARS and the artist.
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