The American Black Movie Pageant (ABFF) is proud to announce a groundbreaking collaboration with the Artwork in Black Basis to current The South African Collective—a debut curatorial artwork exhibition spotlighting 5 dynamic visible artists from South Africa. The exhibit, open completely to pageant attendees, will likely be on view throughout ABFF, happening June 12–14, 2025, on the New World Middle in Miami Seaside. The catalog of accessible paintings is HERE.
Curated by Allana Foster Finley of Cur8Africa, The South African Collective is the inaugural effective artwork initiative of the Artwork in Black Basis—based by Ellis Friday, a visionary younger artistic dedicated to cultural connection, with assist from his dad and mom, Nicole and Jeff Friday. This curated expertise marks an evolution in ABFF’s programming, increasing the pageant’s cultural choices to incorporate international visible artwork in dialogue with Black movie, media, and storytelling.
The thought for this collaboration was born throughout an immersive artwork tour by way of South Africa led by curator Allana Foster Finley and attended by Jeff Friday. Impressed by the depth of inventive expertise and cultural expression, the journey laid the muse for what would develop into this inaugural showcase.
“This exhibition is an thrilling step ahead in ABFF’s mission to uplift international Black creatives,” stated Jeff Friday, founding father of ABFF. “We’re proud to supply a platform the place African artwork and cinematic storytelling can exist in dialog, inspiring deeper cultural connection.”
Featured Artists:
Steve Maphoso – A self-taught Angolan-born artist, Maphoso blends acrylic and charcoal to create emotionally resonant portraits. His present collection facilities on twin boys guided by ancestral intention, exploring themes of migration, ritual, and brotherhood by way of symbolic narrative and layered abstraction.
Thabiso Dakamela – With roots in Venda and Ndebele heritage, Dakamela’s Afrocentric work examines identification and emotion. His expressive fashion—typically rendered in highly effective blues—has earned nationwide recognition, and his DKS Venture Home helps rising artists in South Africa.
Assan Taylor – Recognized for textured portraits combining oil, charcoal, gold leaf, and located supplies, Taylor’s work bridges custom and innovation. His daring, multilayered items mirror the vibrancy of up to date Southern African tradition and human connection.
Siyabonga Mlambi – Originating from South Africa’s Japanese Cape, Mlambi’s artwork is deeply rooted in Nguni custom and fashionable innovation. His distinctive fashion, Khanda-Artwork Superblur African Artificial Cubism, employs material, stones, and combined media to evoke unity, creativeness, and non secular vitality.
Ayanda Moyo – A Zimbabwean artist whose work in charcoal and acrylic explores identification and tradition, Moyo’s emotionally wealthy work invite deep reflection on the shared human expertise by way of daring, expressive strategies.
Collectively, these artists convey their particular person views to a collective narrative that intersects visible artwork with the broader mission of ABFF—celebrating and amplifying Black tales worldwide.