Aindrea Emelife
HURS CURATOR
AINDREA EMELIFE
The curator and art historian shares her favorite brands, products and places.
Curator and art historian Aindrea Emelife has quickly become one of the ground-breaking new voices in the art world. Her knowledge of modern and contemporary art, with a focus on questions around colonial and decolonial histories in Africa, transnationalism and the politics of representation has led her to produce highly acclaimed exhibitions for museums, galleries and private collections globally. Emelife’s most recent exhibition, BLACK VENUS surveyed the legacy of Black women in visual culture.
PRESERVING THE HISTORY OF SOUTHERN NIGERIA
Not-for-profit organization The Factum Foundation aims to document, study and conserve the world’s cultural heritage. The foundation is currently working on a project documenting, preserving and raising awareness about the Bakor monoliths – ancestral stones found in south-eastern Nigeria. The name Bakor monoliths are exclusively found in a 350 square miles area in the Middle Cross River region. The basalt or limestone stones have been naturally shaped in nearby riverbeds and are embellished by facial carvings, characterizing each as an ancestral clan leader.
“Researching here in Nigeria, I've loved learning about the Bakor Monoliths from the Factum Foundation team. NATURE shapes these objects and human intervention inputs elegant facial features.”
“A friend gave me this book and unfortunately he's not getting it back. Looking at how the circulation of people, IDEAS and objects impacts culture and tradition, the book sparks the inner Medievalist in me (surprising to some, Medieval Art was a focus during my art historical studies) and ensures its long lasting relevance in Africa.”
A NEW UNDERSTANDING OF THE PAST AND PRESENT
This book showcases the key role that Africa played in medieval history. West Africa, North Africa, the Middle East and Europe all traded through the Sahara Desert. West African gold, valued highly due to its purity and use for the production of coins, fueled the exchange of goods. Through the latest archaeological discoveries and research ‘Caravans of Gold, Fragments in Time’ paints a captivating picture of the medieval Saharan exchange.
SMALL PLATES, NATURAL WINE AND 80s HITS IN PARIS
Vivant 2, previously simply Vivant, has housed some of the finest Parisian chefs including Sota Atsumi, Pierre Jancou and Pierre Touitou. The small yet cozy, dark-lit restaurant is now run by Mexican chef Robert Mendoza who’s blending international ingredients with French cuisine. The menu features small, shareable dishes and two to three larger portions alongside a curated list of natural and sustainable wines. Vivant 2’s website states: ‘Good food. Wines full of life. You-might-start-singing-at-the-end soundtrack.’ What more could you ask for?
“I haven’t been to this gallery yet but I am very interested in checking it out because of the CURATION I see on Instagram. There is a depth and curiosity in the artists chosen and displayed here.”
“I'm technically on a research trip here in Nigeria, but, as we say: I cannot come and kill myself. When looking for some sartorial DELIGHTS, these two stores are first stops. Elegantly curated fare from across Africa and beyond, these closely CURATED boutiques offer favorites brands of mine like Lisa Folawiyo, Abiola Olusola and WAFFLESNCREAM.”
WHERE ART, FASHION AND FOOD MEET
ALARA is more than simply a store. Housed in a building designed by David Adjaye, ALARA consists of a luxury boutique, a rooftop art gallery and restaurant NOK by Alara. Founder Reni Folawiyo succeeded in creating a space connected to culture, celebrating talent from the world of design, art and fashion. The store stocks African designers as well as international luxury brands including Jacquemus, Cecilie Bahnsen and Marni.
REINVENTING AFRICAN CUISINE
Chef Obehi Ekhomu-El Herfi opened her restaurant ONA in February of this year. Her experience spans several countries, and she’s celebrated for blending African cuisine with international influences. ONA offers an a la carte menu as well as a 3-9 course experience. With a focus on reinventing traditional dishes with unique twists, the restaurant celebrates African cuisine.