Bisi Silva

Nigerian art curator who pioneered contemporary African art curation and education

Bisi Silva (b. 1945) is a groundbreaking Nigerian art curator and educator who transformed perceptions of African art globally. As founder of the Lagos-based Centre for Contemporary Art (CCA), she created the first institution in West Africa dedicated to modern African art. Silva's curatorial work emphasized African narratives in global art discourse, organizing seminal exhibitions like the 2007 African Pavilion at the Venice Biennale. She pioneered educational programs linking art with social justice issues, and her writings on postcolonial art theory have influenced generations of artists. Silva's advocacy led to the establishment of the Nigerian National Commission for Museums and Monuments' modern art division. Her book <《Art and Identity in Africa》> is required reading in many art programs. She received the 2020 Prince Claus Award for cultural leadership. Explore her work on Wikipedia