EBUBAY WEEKLY NEWS - Marlene Dumas Makes History at the Louvre and man

The global and African art scenes have been lively, with milestones, farewells, and announcements that highlight the region’s growing influence. Here’s a round-up of key stories shaping conversations across the art world.

1. Marlene Dumas Makes History at the Louvre

In a landmark decision, the Louvre Museum has acquired works by Marlene Dumas, making her the first contemporary woman artist to enter the museum’s permanent collection.
Dumas, born in South Africa and based in Amsterdam, is known for her emotionally charged portraits and exploration of identity, intimacy, and power. The Louvre’s inclusion of her work marks a decisive shift toward modern relevance, bridging classical heritage and contemporary expression.
For African and female artists alike, this acquisition signals wider institutional recognition and a symbolic victory for diversity within the global art canon.

2. Absa L’Atelier 2025: Spotlight on Emerging African Voices

The Absa L’Atelier Art Competition, one of Africa’s longest-running platforms for emerging artists, has announced its 2025 winners.
This year’s Gerard Sekoto Award went to Ndlovukazi Ngilande (South Africa), whose multimedia practice re-imagines African womanhood. Other ambassadors recognized include Yolo Mantiyane (South Africa), Nana Sarpong Prempeh-Fordjour (Ghana), and Trevor Aloka (Uganda).
The competition continues to nurture new creative talent and strengthen cross-continental collaboration—affirming Africa’s position as a vibrant hub for innovation and artistic dialogue.

3. The Irma Stern Museum Closes After Over 53 Years

A bittersweet moment for South African art lovers: the Irma Stern Museum in Cape Town has officially closed its doors after more than half a century.
The museum, located in Stern’s former home and studio, was dedicated to preserving the life and work of one of South Africa’s most celebrated modernists. Its closure reflects broader challenges facing heritage institutions today—rising maintenance costs, shifts in public funding, and questions about how best to sustain historical art spaces in the digital era.
Plans for the museum’s collection and future use of the property remain under discussion.

4. Zimbabwe Prepares for the 2026 Venice Biennale

The Zimbabwe Pavilion has unveiled its curatorial direction for the 61st Venice Biennale in 2026.
Titled “Second Nature | Manyonga,” the exhibition will be curated by Fadzai Veronica Muchemwa and commissioned by Raphael Chikukwa. Participating artists include Felix Shumba, Eva Raath, Franklyn Dzingai, and Pardon Mapondera.
Their works explore transformation, adaptation, and resilience in a changing world—a theme that reflects both local and global realities. The announcement confirms Zimbabwe’s continued commitment to maintaining a visible and conceptually robust presence on the world’s most prestigious art stage.

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