John Madu's historical exhibition: Van Gogh Museum hosts first African solo artist
Nigerian artist John Madu marks a historic first as an African artist with a solo exhibition at Amsterdam's Van Gogh Museum.
Produced in just three months, Madu's paintings creatively reinterpret Van Gogh's iconic themes.
The exhibition aims to enhance inclusivity in Western art spaces and celebrates African representation on an international stage.
Expressive brushstrokes depict a man seated at a table, his face hidden behind a book of Japanese prints, a plastic chair in the corner, and a Nigerian passport lying on the table.
It is one of 10 new paintings by Nigerian artist John Madu, created for Paint Your Path - the first solo exhibition by an African artist at Amsterdam's Van Gogh Museum, which opened Friday.
Madu, 42, produced the 10 works in just three months in his Lagos studio, each responding to one of seven paintings by the Dutch master.
'Before I even knew who Van Gogh was, I knew about his work,' said the artist, recalling how, as a child, he admired his father's calendars filled with Impressionist art.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by John MADU Is BLACKMUSE (@johnmadu_art)
'Van Gogh's works actually stuck out to me because of the yellows, the swirls, the strokes,' he told AFP.
Madu plays on the global familiarity of Van Gogh's work to build connections between local and universal themes, notably through self-portraiture and the use of symbols.
Van Gogh's famous wooden chair is reimagined by Madu as a white plastic seat - sometimes the main subject, sometimes carried on the shoulder of a protagonist resembling the artist entering a cafe in France's Provence region with a yellow facade.
'So I feel the world of Van Gogh plays out for people to relate to you,' he said.
'I really wanted to pay homage to this master I really love... So I thought for it to blend perfectly, the strokes, the brush strokes, the colour theme should connect together.'
'That would make the works actually feel like one.'
This is not Madu's first dialogue with Western art - his previous works have drawn inspiration from Gustav Klimt, Edward Hopper and Norman Rockwell.
These references resonated with the 'Beeldbrekers' ('Image Breakers'), a group of young adults who co-commissioned the exhibition with the goal of making the Van Gogh Museum more inclusive - both in its exhibitions and outreach.
'For me, especially, it's a kind of representation to see an African artist being represented in a museum like this,' said Himaya Ayo, a 22-year-old member of the Beeldbrekers.
'So, when I heard that, I immediately signed up for it, and now I get to take part in this amazing but also very historical moment.'
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by John MADU Is BLACKMUSE (@johnmadu_art)
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hypebeast
20 hours ago
- Hypebeast
Patta and Havaianas Debut Collaboration In Brazil
Pattais deep in its collaborative bag. After announcing the return of itsNike Air Max 90 'Waves'series and debuting its upcomingNike Cryoshot Mercurialpitchside, the Amsterdam-based label heads to Brazil withHavaianas. Starring former Dutch footballerEdgar Davids, the campaign scores some goals shoreside just in time for summer. Patta and Havaianas join forces for the first time, paying tribute to the latter's Brazilian influence with a fresh set of flip-flops. The brand's original Brasil logo silhouette is reimagined by Patta, keeping its classic build and uplifted with oversized Patta branding. Arriving in two colorways, the summer staple boasts mutual Surinamese and Brazilian flags on the straps, while pure Brazilian rubber completes the soles made for heavy beach use. The star pair arrives in Brazilian flag hues, contrasted by a black and white option for neutral styling. Take a closer look at the collaboration in the gallery above. The flip-flops will be released on June 6 in-store and online viaPatta, followed by a global release throughHavaianason June 9.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Amsterdam being booked up by Canadians in June: Skyscanner trending travel destination
A European summer is very much on the horizon for Canadians and in June, Amsterdam has proven to be a particularly popular travel destination. Information provided to Yahoo Canada from Skyscanner revealed that there has been a 73 per cent increase in flight bookings from Canadian cities to the destination over the last month. According to the 2025 Skyscanner Travel Trends report, 34 per cent of Canadian travellers seeking out immersive art experiences are specifically attracted to the shared, communal aspect of those moments. And Amsterdam is a great destination for those travellers. Search for your next vacation on Skyscanner For art lovers specifically, June is the perfect time to travel to Amsterdam. The Holland Festival takes place in June, the Netherlands' oldest and largest performing arts festival, and the sculpture exhibition ArtZuid is also taking place, transforming areas of the city into an open-air museum. "Amsterdam's commitment to accessible art is evident in venues like the Stedelijk Museum, which offers cutting-edge modern art exhibitions, and the city's numerous independent galleries and street art installations," Laura Lindsay, Skyscanner's travel trends and destinations expert highlighted. Using Skyscanner search data, roundtrip flights from Toronto to Amsterdam in June can currently be found for as low as $513. Flights from Vancouver to Amsterdam start at $695, or $620 from Montreal. Check Skyscanner for up-to-date, live pricing for all flights. Search for your next vacation on Skyscanner If you want to travel like a local in Amsterdam, it's time to get on a bike. "Renting a bike is one of the best ways to see the city. The canal belt is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and riding through it at your own pace gives you a real feel for the rhythm of Amsterdam life," Lindsay said. "Stop along the way for coffee at a canal-side café, or pack a picnic and relax in Vondelpark like the locals do." For visitors looking for the best neighbourhood for a stroll, the Jordaan District is the place to go. "The Jordaan is full of independent galleries, boutiques, and cozy brown cafés," Lindsay highlighted. "It's the kind of neighbourhood where you can wander with no real plan and still stumble on something great." "If you're there on a Saturday, don't miss the Noordermarkt — part flea market, part foodie haven, and all charm." If you want to take advantage of the beautiful summer weather, the Rijksmuseum Garden is a great stop. "Even if you've already visited the Rijksmuseum, the summer gardens are worth a separate trip," Lindsay stated. "They're beautifully maintained and often feature outdoor sculptures or installations." "It's free to enter, and it's a peaceful break in the middle of Museumplein — ideal for art lovers and sun seekers alike." The Hoxton, Amsterdam is located in the heart of the city, in the same neighbourhood as some of the city's best restaurants and stores. The hotel's restaurant Lotti's has a focus on seasonal Dutch ingredients with its "modern European restaurant" cuisine. Located between two historical canals, Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam has an interesting history, from a 15th-century convent to the City Hall of Amsterdam. The rooms feature contemporary French designs, with the property having specifically family-friendly accommodations and experiences. The hotel also has a spa with an indoor pool. Have a particularly luxurious experience at The Dylan, Amsterdam, located in the "9-streets" area on the Keizersgracht canal. It's also home to the two Michelin star awarded Restaurant Vinkeles, in addition to Bar Brasserie OCCO, which has its infamous "High Wine" experience, a play on High Tea. Each room style is unique, and includes one inspired by the Loxura butterfly, to an authentic Amsterdam-style loft. Skyscanner has a number of features to make sure you save as much as possible on your vacation. Take advantage of the "Saved" feature. Start by browsing all the travel deals and when you see something you like, you can save it for later. Step 1: Find your flights and hotel. Step 2: Select the heart icon next to your top picks to save them for later. Make sure you're logged into your Skyscanner account. Pro tip: Download the Skyscanner app to create separate Saved lists for all the different trips you're planning. If flight costs are getting you down, there are a few things Canadian travellers can do to ensure they're getting the best deal possible for their next vacation, both on the Skyscanner platform specifically and when looking for flights more generally. Beat the crowds: For flights that are filling up fast, you'll want to make sure you're looking at the monthly view on travel search sites like Skyscanner to see the best possible option available for flight dates. Set up alerts: Prices are always changing, so if you're hoping to travel to a specific destination, or on specific dates, set up a price alert so you can be quick if a deal comes up. Skyscanner specifically has a price alerts system for any cost changes. Consider "Everywhere": If you're hoping for a new adventure, or a little rest and relaxation, but you don't have a specific destination in mind, the "Everywhere" search on Skyscanner may be your new best friend to discover the most affordable vacation destination possible. Flexible dates: There may be certain times where you need to travel for specific dates, but the best deals are really revealed when you open yourself up to some flexibility. Even changing your travel dates by a day, or a week, can result in significant savings.
CNN
2 days ago
- CNN
Rare 19th century condom with erotic etching goes on display at Dutch museum
A rare 19th century condom decorated with an erotic etching featuring a nun and three clergymen is going on display at a museum in the Netherlands. Believed to be made from a sheep's appendix, the prophylactic dates back to 1830 and is likely a souvenir from a brothel, according to a statement from the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam on Tuesday. Joyce Zelen, curator of prints at the museum, told CNN that condoms would have been sold under the counter at the time. This example is in 'mint condition,' she said, with UV testing revealing that it hasn't been used. This fact, as well as the print and the extended length of the condom, which is 20 centimeters (7.9 inches) long, suggest that this was 'a luxury brothel souvenir,' added Zelen. 'It makes it more of an object to laugh about with your friends than an actual object to use,' she said. In the etching, the nun can be seen seated with her legs open while the three clergymen hold up their robes, revealing their erect penises. 'The inscription Voilà mon choix, meaning 'This is my choice,' makes the print a parody of both celibacy and the Judgement of Paris from Greek mythology,' said the museum. Zelen explained that the printmaker would have laid the appendix of a sheep or goat out flat and used a copper plate with the inked etching on it to print the design onto it. While this kind of condom was not likely to have been used, those designed to protect the wearer would have been made with similar materials, said Zelen. They would have provided minimal protection from unwanted pregnancies and sexual transmitted infections such as syphilis, which was a significant public health problem in 19th century Europe, she added. The Rijksmuseum acquired the condom at auction six months ago and it is the first example of a print on a condom to form part of the museum's collection. It will be on display in the museum's Print Room until the end of November as part of an exhibit on 19th century prostitution and sexuality. In recent years the Rijksmuseum has hit the headlines for putting together the largest ever exhibition of paintings by Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer, as well as for repatriating colonial artifacts to Sri Lanka following provenance research that started in 2017.
