ENGAGING WITH THE TROUBLE
ROYAL ONTARIO MUSEUM
December 8, 2026 - December 8, 2027
Toronto, Canada
African histories cannot be fully told in one story or with one voice. Yet, encyclopedic museums like the Royal Ontario Museum have historically displayed African cultures with a singular and stereotypical narrative. Museum labels have highlighted the people who brought collections to museums instead of celebrating African makers. This obscured the violent histories that often underpinned colonial museum collection practices.
Engaging With the Trouble aims to complicate the idea of Africa. In this exhibition, artists and their artworks ask questions, challenge racist ideas, and present stories of self-assertion. The art showcases how many voices and varied stories are all connected to Africa.
Curated by Tandazani Dhlakama, Curator of Global Africa