New African masquerades: Artistic innovations and collaborations spotlights the work of four contemporary artists working in cities across West Africa: Chief Ekpenyong Bassey Nsa, Sheku “Goldenfinger” Fofanah, David Sanou, and Hervé Youmbi.

The first presentation of its kind, New African masquerades offers a rare look into contemporary West African masquerade by contextualizing the works of individual artists within a range of social, economic, and religious practices and examining their networks of viewership and exchange. Made from materials including wood, cloth and fabrics, sequins, feathers, gourds, raffia, and cowry shells, the ensembles on view represent a wide variety of masquerade practices and societies.

Organized in partnership with the Musée des Civilisations noires (MCN) in Dakar, Senegal, the exhibition will be also be presented in a parallel form for African audiences—marking the first time an exhibition will be presented in such a way in North America and Africa.