“I am excited for visitors to see this new exhibition featuring five modern and contemporary artists who engage with photographic archives. I also extend my sincerest gratitude to my co-curators Ibrahima Thiam and Beth Buggenhagen for contributing their expertise to this project. This collaborative curatorial effort is especially important to show Ibrahima Thiam’s perspective on the Eskenazi Museum’s collection as a practicing artist and photographer working in Senegal,” shared Allison Martino.

Drs. Martino and Buggenhagen are co-organizing a two-day international symposium in connection with the exhibition that will be held March 28–29, 2025. The symposium will feature presentations by artists, scholars, and curators, in addition to gallery tours and behind-the-scenes viewings. Confirmed guest speakers include artists Ibrahima Thiam and Zohra Opoku, with additional speakers to be announced. The symposium will be held at the Eskenazi Museum of Art, with the option of attending virtually. It is funded by Indiana University’s College Arts and Humanities Institute, Office of the Vice President for International Affairs, and the Walter Center for Career Achievement.

This exhibition received support from the Indiana University Institute for Advanced Study as well as the Raymond and Laura Wielgus Endowed Curatorship for the Arts of Africa, Oceania, and Indigenous Art of the Americas.