First Permanent Space for African Contemporary Art Opens in Moscow
By The Inspirer.
Moscow, June 6, 2025 — A new chapter in cultural exchange has begun in Moscow with the opening of the first permanent space in the city dedicated to contemporary African art.
The inaugural exhibition, “And Behold!”, was launched by the I-A Gallery, introducing Russian audiences to the vibrant voices of African contemporary art.
The exhibition features works by renowned artists Boet Nyariri (Zimbabwe) and Mulenga Mubanga (Zambia), whose art has been shown at major exhibitions and is part of private and museum collections across Africa and Europe.
Their works are being presented in Russia for the first time. The project was developed in collaboration with African collector Stephane Conan, with direct involvement from the artists themselves.
The exhibition is curated by Dr. Yanina Dubeykovskaya, philosopher and founder of the I–A Gallery, and Taisiia Konstantinova, African art historian and Director of Strategic Development at I-A Gallery.
Over the coming year, the space will host exhibitions representing artists from over 12 African countries, including Zambia, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Namibia,Kenya, Rwanda,Tanzania, Ghana and Madagascar, among others. Each project will be accompanied by public programs — lectures, screenings, and artist talks — fostering dialogue between African and Russian art communities.
Zambezi Art Residency & AWAA Partnership
This November, the gallery will also host the Zambezi Art Residency, taking place November 2–12, 2025. Centered around the theme of “Initiation”, the residency invites international artists and art-tourists to explore African landscapes and initiation rites through collaborative creation, research, and reflection. The program will culminate in a group exhibition.
In addition, the I-A Gallery is a partner of the African Women in Art Award (AWAA) — an international award for female artists. The 2025 theme is also “Initiation”, inviting African women artists to reflect on coming-of-age rituals, transformation, identity, and cultural heritage. Submissions open in September 2025, with a deadline of November 1, 2025.
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