Art history perfectly combines my history interests and love of the visual image. I have been an official African Heritage guide at the V&A in London since 2016. This is a voluntary role where I lead public tours in the 17th and 18th century Europe galleries. It has been a pleasure to impart knowledge about obscure aspects of history to a willing public. 2025 sees me join the Tate Modern and British Museum. Dates for forthcoming tours at all institutions are listed in the tabs below.
I also occasionally collaborate with other heritage institutions as was the case with the Greenwich Maritime Museum Seeing Ourselves Podcast. A link to the podcast recording can be accessed below.
Through this African heritage guided tour, I will give a unique perspective on contemporary art framed through the lens of African Modernism and Afro-Surrealism.
African Modernism, a movement which refers to African artists influenced by western modernist concepts is characterised by a unique imagery infused with traditional African influences. By contrast Afro-Surrealism is a cultural aesthetic that places emphasis on uncovering the invisible world and engaging audiences in highly imaginative and dramatic ways to reflect the global black experience.
I reference the work of a handful of artists of African descent who have tapped into their subconscious to challenge traditional artistic and social norms. The tour includes the work of:
Tour dates are subject to change. Please double check this page on the day or call the Tate Modern on (0)20 7887 8888.
Image Credit: Untitled (A Map of the British Empire in America) 2021© Firelei Báez; courtesy of the artist and James Cohan, New York. Photo: Phoebe d’Heurle
The tours are free entry with no booking required. Meet me at the meeting point on Level 2, Natalie Bell Building.
Duration: Approximately 45 – 60 minutes
Location – Tate Modern Bankside, London SE1 9TG
My specially researched official V&A tour gives an overview of the African presence in 17th and 18th Century Europe as represented in a number of high-quality works. Europe during this period was on the cusp of massive change with much social, religious and economic upheaval. The period saw the Scientific Revolution and Age of Enlightenment.
I lead the tour speculating on the viewpoint of the African individuals portrayed; their stories and backgrounds. As part of the tour attendees will be looking at a number of known and unknown figures as well as the achievements of individuals of African descent in European history at a time when the African body would become symbolic of degradation.
From the Baroque to the Rococo and Neoclassical, the Europe 1600-1815 Galleries present an unrivalled collection of 17th and 18th century art and design in a period that was influential in forging the identity of the European lifestyle today.
*The March, Tapestry Judocus De Vos (weaver), Philipp De Hondt (designer) (1718-1724) V&A London
The tour is free and drop-in. There is no booking procedure. Meet me the meeting point in the grand entrance of the Victoria & Albert Museum for a sharp 3.30pm start.
In this conversation, historian and film curator, Nadia Denton and artist Sharon Walters centre their discussion on a collection piece featuring Saartje (Sara) Baartman. Sara is a well-known figure who has a disturbing and tragic story. Nadia offers a response to Sara’s life story focusing on female power and exploitation in context to enslaved Africans. Please note that the content includes themes of sexual violence and a disturbing nature.
* La Venus Hottentote, George Luftus (1814) National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London, Michael Graham-Stewart Slavery Collection.
Acquired with the assistance of the Heritage Lottery Fund