As I drive to work, I often use this time to ponder my master's project, diving deep into the world of digital exhibitions and the new life they offer to traditional art displays. Today, I'm focused on the monumental "Africa Remix" exhibition, curated by Simon Njami, and how my research revolves around digital platforms like Universes in Universes and Google Arts & Culture. These resources have been pivotal, allowing me to explore the exhibition in a digital context, despite not having experienced it firsthand.

"Africa Remix," showcased at the Johannesburg Art Gallery and other prestigious venues like the Moderna Museet in Stockholm, was a pioneering exhibition. It was the first major showcase of African art on the continent, featuring a wide array of artists from across Africa and the diaspora. This exhibition was not just a display of artworks; it was a vibrant conversation starter, eliciting a wide range of reactions and advancing the discourse on contemporary African art【13†source】【14†source】.

In my project, I aim to extend the life of "Africa Remix" through a digital 'database' I'm creating. This online platform gathers images and metadata related to the artworks and artists from the exhibition, aiming to offer a new narrative and a broader global representation of African contemporaneity and creativity. My exploration into digital spaces challenges traditional concepts of exhibitions as 'places' and transforms them into dynamic 'spaces' that are accessible to a wider audience.

Reflecting on the differences between Universes in Universes and Google Arts & Culture has been intriguing. The former offers a comprehensive view but focuses primarily on artists, sometimes missing the immersive experience of physically attending an exhibition. On the other hand, Google Arts & Culture, while also relying on images, provides a richer visual experience, potentially enhanced by videos, that brings the exhibition to life in a new way.

Through this project, I am curating an experience, weaving together these digital resources with my own insights. I'm not just compiling information; I'm creating a space where new connections can be made, and the stories of these artworks can continue to evolve. This aligns with the broader goal of "Africa Remix" - to not only bring African art to global audiences but to redefine the narrative and presentation of African art, both on the continent and beyond.

As I navigate through this project, my aim is to create a digital platform that not only showcases the artworks but also invites engagement and fosters a deeper understanding of contemporary African art. It's a journey of discovery, one where I'm learning as much as I'm contributing, and I'm excited to see where it leads.

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