African Art galleries at Mint Museum Randolph re-open

Charlotte, North Carolina (February 21, 2025) – The Mint Museum is proud to announce the re-opening of its African Art galleries at Mint Museum Randolph following an extensive multiyear renovation. This transformation presents a refreshed focus on the museum’s extensive African Art Collection and its connections to broader historical, cultural, and artistic contexts.

The reinstallation was led by guest curator Lisa Homann, PhD, associate professor of art history at UNC Charlotte. Homann’s scholarly approach to the project included a comprehensive review of the museum’s archives and an in-depth evaluation of each piece. The result is re-envisioned gallery presentations that not only reflect the rich diversity of African art but challenge visitors to think critically about its cultural significance, origins, and impact.

The expanded galleries highlight African works or art from across the continent, emphasizing the wide variety of styles, materials, and purposes for which objects have been created since the late 19th century. These works, including masks, sculptures, textiles, and more, are now presented in ways that emphasize their roles within society and explore global connections, ceremonial masquerades, and the historical influence of Western perceptions on African art.

One of the most exciting features of the redesigned galleries is the 2024 commission of Kimi Masquerade Ensemble by artist David Sanou. Created in Burkina Faso, this newly acquired work is an exceptional addition to the Mint’s collection, complete with fully documented provenance. The display is complemented by an immersive video of a masquerade ceremony, giving visitors a deeper understanding of the cultural context behind the piece.

A strong emphasis is placed on the provenance of each piece. Any work for which the artist information is unknown is clearly labeled “Unrecorded Artist,” while uncertainty about an object’s origin is addressed with terms like “possibly” or “probably.” This commitment to intellectual honesty ensures that the reinstallation is both culturally responsible and academically rigorous.

The Mint’s Chief Curator Jen Sudul Edwards, PhD, approached Homann in 2019 to begin the project. “We wanted this installation to change expectations for our museum visitors. Dr. Homann provides explanations and context for the works on view, but with her deep dive into the individual works, we are also self-consciously addressing what we know and how we know it. Instead of absolute authority on a subject, the installation admits to limits and gaps in our knowledge. This approach reminds us that, even though you are in an institution, nothing is static; this research is always evolving, incorporating new discoveries and exposing new possibilities,” says Sudul Edwards.

The re-opening of these galleries marks a significant milestone for both The Mint Museum. It is not just a celebration of African art, but a step forward in fostering cross-cultural understanding, enriching the experience of visitors, and honoring the museum’s commitment to promote diversity in the arts.

For more information on upcoming events, programming and special exhibitions at the museum, visit mintmuseum.org.

THE MINT MUSEUM
Established in 1936 as North Carolina’s first art museum, The Mint Museum is a leading, innovative cultural institution and museum of international art and design. With two locations — Mint Museum Randolph in the heart of Eastover and Mint Museum Uptown at Levine Center for the Arts — the Mint boasts one of the largest collections in the Southeast and is committed to engaging and inspiring members of the global community.

CONTACTS:
Michele Huggins, associate director of marketing and communications
michele.huggins@mintmuseum.org | 704.564.0826

Clayton Sealey, senior director of marketing and communications
clayton.sealey@mintmuseum.org | 704.534.0186