SEPTEMBER 20TH- NOVEMBER 2ND
EXPLORE THE EXHIBIT

Curated from the Nando's Art Collection, the largest of Southern African contemporary masterworks

Portia Zvavahera In the Wings, 2014 Oil-based printing ink, oil bar on canvas Courtesy of Stevenson and David Zwirner

Curated from the Nando's Art Collection, the largest of Southern African contemporary masterworks, "If You Look Hard Enough, You Can See Our Future" makes its Southeast debut at the African Diaspora Art Museum, Atlanta. The critically acclaimed exhibition features nearly 30 pieces never seen together before.

ABOUT THE EXHIBIT

If You Look Hard Enough, You Can See Our Future" showcases nearly 30 masterworks, assembled together for the first time, to narrate a story that transcends geographical and temporal boundaries.

This exhibit, critically acclaimed for its curation and the unique perspectives it represents, offers a profound glimpse into the future through the lens of Southern African contemporary art. Made possible by Nando’s restaurant group, this collection has grown over two decades and comprises more than 25,000 pieces displayed globally, demonstrating Nando's commitment to cultural advocacy and artist support.

The exhibition features a variety of mediums and artistic expressions, ranging from portraiture to abstract representations of Southern African life, crafted by some of the world’s foremost contemporary artists including Zanele Muholi, Kudzanai Chiurai, and William Kentridge, among others. Each piece is framed within its unique context but collectively explores universal themes of love, loss, and aspirations for a better future.

The showcase is curated by Laurie Ann Farrell, a globally recognized curator with a profound history in African art scenes, from The African Center in New York City to major art institutions across the United States. Under her expert guidance, the exhibit not only displays art but also invites attendees to dive deep into the narratives that shape our understanding of Southern African cultures and histories.

This year, in conjunction with the debut of the Atlanta Art Fair during the celebrated Atlanta Art Week, "If You Look Hard Enough, You Can See Our Future" stands as a landmark exhibition, placing the African Diaspora Art Museum, Atlanta at the heart of cultural and artistic exchange in the city. The exhibition serves as a bridge connecting Atlanta, Africa, and the world, supported by the visionary leadership of Dr. Fahamu Pecou at ADAMA and the significant cultural impact of Nando’s worldwide.

If You Look Hard Enough, You Can See Our Future

If You Look Hard Enough, You Can See Our Future 

ABOUT NANDOS

Through the vision of the late South African businessman Dick Enthoven, Nando’s started collecting art in partnership with arts consultancy Spier Arts Trust in 2004 and has since become owner of one of the world’s largest collections of Southern African contemporary art and design. The collection is uniquely displayed in

Nando’s restaurants globally, creating bespoke settings, providing access to millions of people, many of whom will never visit an art gallery, or museum. Visitors to Nando’s custom-designed restaurants also have the opportunity to see firsthand permanent artwork from the 27,000+ piece collection that is featured prominently at each location.

FROM SOUTH AFRICA TO AMERICA, NANDO’S ART COLLECTION IS MAKING IT’S MARK

Exhibit Programming

If You Look Hard Enough, You Can See Our Future was made possible with the support of:

The exhibit made possible by Nandos, the beloved restaurant group Nando's

ART CREDITS

Patrick Kagiso Mautloa

City People, Morning Haze, 1995

Fabric, oil paint on canvas

Courtesy of the artist and Spier Arts Trust.

Portia Zvavahera

In the Wings, 2014
Oil-based printing ink, oil bar on canvas

Courtesy of Stevenson and David Zwirner

Stephen Hobbs

If You Look Hard Enough, 2014

Letraset, aquatint and drypoint

Courtesy the artist and David Krut Projects

Gallery Hours

Visit us during gallery hours on Thursday- Saturday from 12pm- 5pm.

352 University Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30310

Interested in a tour? Email events@adamatl.org to schedule!