In a remarkable display of Africa’s dynamic transformation, Standard Bank presented the exhibition A Continent on the Move: Perspectives on Africa and Its Infrastructure at the World Economic Forum in Davos as part of the sideline events hosted by Africa Collective.
As a lead partner of Africa Collective, Standard Bank continues its commitment to supporting Africa’s creative industries by bringing art into unexpected global spaces.
The exhibition highlights a carefully curated selection from the Bank’s extensive Corporate Art Collection, showcasing the connection between art, infrastructure, and Africa’s ever-evolving landscape.
The eight featured works, drawn from artists such as Irma Stern, Maggie Laubser, Sam Nhlengethwa, Derrick Nxumalo, and the collaborative duo Hasan and Hussain Essop, offer a poignant exploration of the continent’s transformation.
The pieces cover themes of infrastructure, urbanization, migration, and identity, reflecting Africa’s constant motion and change.
Yolisa Koza, Standard Bank’s Group Head of Brand Experience, commented, “This exhibition reflects our long-standing commitment to the arts and culture of Africa.
“By presenting these powerful works at Africa Collective, on the sidelines of the WEF Annual Meeting in Davos, we are highlighting not only the remarkable talent of African artists but also the broader cultural and infrastructural shifts taking place on the continent.
“We are excited to contribute to this important dialogue and to showcase the incredible diversity and depth of African creativity on the global stage.”
The exhibition presents a blend of historical and contemporary perspectives, with works such as Irma Stern’s Orchard (1942), a romanticized depiction of nature, and Sam Nhlengethwa’s Postman (2006), offering raw portrayals of urban life.
These artworks emphasize the tension between Africa’s colonial past and its aspirations for the future, reflecting how infrastructure and human experience intertwine.
The inclusion of works by Hasan and Hussain Essop further deepens the exhibition’s exploration of migration and identity, emphasizing Africa’s active role in global change.
Since the 1980s, Standard Bank has been a pioneer in supporting African culture, championing visual arts, music, theatre, and performance.
This exhibition serves as a testament to the Bank’s ongoing mission to celebrate and support African creativity, providing a platform for African artists to shine on the international stage.
Africa Collective, in collaboration with its partner network Art Network Africa (ANA), joined forces with Standard Bank to curate the exhibition.
The platform brings together business leaders, policymakers, and thought leaders to discuss opportunities and challenges facing the African continent.
By merging art with thought leadership, Standard Bank reaffirms its role as both a cultural and economic steward of Africa on the global stage.
