#1) Art Workshop: Painting Inspired by Traditional African Art
on the occasion of the Simone Leigh Exhibition, Moiz Salman – the AfroGreeks
Wednesday 25 June 2025, 18:30
A painting workshop by visual artist Moiz Salman, in collaboration with the ongoing collective project the AfroGreeks, will take place in June at the SNFCC on the occasion of the exhibition Simone Leigh: Anatomy of Architecture, hosted at the Agora.
African masks are a significant part of traditional African art, carrying centuries-old meaning and purpose. They are sacred symbols that embody the cultural heritage and customs of African peoples. They were used for various purposes such as religious ceremonies, social events, theatrical performances, and gatherings, but also as artistic and aesthetic objects. They often represented the spirit of an animal or combined features of different animals, and many depicted female faces in accordance with each culture’s ideals of beauty.
Masks are one of the elements of African art that have deeply influenced European and Western culture through artistic movements such as Cubism, Fauvism, and Expressionism.
In this workshop, children will draw inspiration from traditional African masks to create their own contemporary version, engaging in a fun and educational activity while learning about the rich cultural heritage of Africa.
Design & Implementation: Moiz Salman, artist
In collaboration with artist and interpreter Mohamed Belhendi, for the ongoing collective project the AfroGreeks by the collective Døcumatism
#2) Clay Sculpture Workshop: The Identity and Heritage of African Women
inspired by the works of Simone Leigh
Friday 18 July 2025, 18:30
As part of the exhibition Simone Leigh: Anatomy of Architecture, hosted at the Agora since April, the SNFCC is organizing a series of parallel events in collaboration with the ongoing collective project the AfroGreeks. Inspired by the works of the African-American sculptor, anthropologist Grace Chimela Eze Nwoke and members of the AfroGreeks are designing and leading a series of workshops that explore the creative ways in which Black identity cultivates new artistic practices of expression and empowerment.
In this clay sculpture workshop, visual artist Moiz Salman explores the identity and heritage of African women in ancient kingdoms through sculpture, symbolism, and mask-making, while also connecting these elements to contemporary approaches and artistic practices. Participants will be introduced to the historical context and will be invited to create clay masks and sculptures inspired by both traditional and contemporary interpretations, in dialogue with Leigh’s works and the materials she uses, such as clay, straw, and shells. The workshop will highlight Leigh’s sources of inspiration and their extensions in relation to the role of women, representations of the female body, African art and traditions, combined with architectural elements and sculptural techniques and methods.
Design–Implementation: Moiz Salman, artist
In collaboration with: Anthropologist Grace Chimela Eze Nwoke, for the ongoing collective project the AfroGreeks by the Døcumatism collective
