Ayana V. Jackson’s work is featured in Kings and Queens of Africa: Forms and Figures of Power, a landmark exhibition presented for the first time in the UAE and the region, in collaboration with the Musée du quai Branly – Jacques Chirac. Open until 25 May 2025, the exhibition explores the visual and symbolic expressions of power across African history, from the 11th to the 21st centuries.
Bringing together over 350 extraordinary objects—including royal portraits, sculptures, ceremonial regalia, and spiritually significant figures—the show highlights Africa’s rich cultural legacy and its continued resonance in contemporary art. Jackson’s work joins this diverse and powerful collection, contributing a contemporary lens to the themes of identity, sovereignty, and representation.
Through a wide range of media and traditions, Kings and Queens of Africa examines the many forms of leadership and influence across empires, city-states, and spiritual realms, showcasing Africa’s enduring creativity and complexity.