The upcoming exhibition “Being Black – Afro Finns’ Experiences” at the City Museum in Helsinki offers and long-overdue perspective on the city’s through the lens of the Afro-Finnish community. The exhibition, curated by Wisam Elfadl, aims to highlight the cultural heritage and experiences of Afro-Finns. It also aims in Finland and raise awareness of their contributions to the Helsinki identity.
The Afro-Finnish community is relatively small, estimated to be around 15,000 people of African descent living in Finland. Despite their small numbers, they continue to face discrimination and marginalization. AS such, the Afro Finns community is highly discriminated against.
The ‘Being Black – Afro Finns’ Experiences’ exhibition offers an opportunity to challenge the dominant narrative of Finnish identity as homogenous and white. It celebrates the diversity and complexity of the country’s cultural landscape. Key themes of the exhibition include family and friendships, beauty, identity, and activism. It reflects the multifaceted experiences of Afro-Finns in Helsinki.
The exhibition invites visitors to incorporate their own experiences and images into the exhibit. This turns the exhibition into a space for workshops, discussions, and the exchange of experiences. This interactive approach makes it all the more meaningful, as visitors get to engage with the exhibit and explore the stories and experiences of the Afro-Finnish community.
One of the featured artists in the exhibition is Ima Iduozee. He is a Helsinki-based dancer and choreographer whose work explores the intersection of African and Nordic cultures. Iduozee’s pieces incorporate elements of traditional African dance music,and contemporary dance forms, to create a unique hybrid style that reflects his own identity as an Afro-Finn.
The ‘Being Black – Afro Finns’ Experiences’ exhibition offers a timely and important opportunity to celebrate the diversity and complexity of the Afro-Finnish community . The exhibition also celerates their contributions to Finnish culture and identity. By providing a platform for Afro-Finnish artists , he exhibit challenges the marginalization and lack of representation often experienced in Finland ,
Preserving and celebrating Afro-Finnish identity is not only important for the community but also for Finland as a whole. As the Afro-Finnish community continues to grow and thrive, it is vital to tell that their stories and experiences. It is also important to provide a space for support as they need to fully participate in Finnish society and contribute to its rich cultural tapestry. The ‘Being Black – Afro Finns’ Experiences’ exhibition is a step in the right direction towards achieving this goal.
