A Fiction of Authenticity presents seminal moments for challenging prevailing notions about interculturalism and postcolonial subjects. This full-color catalogue features specially commissioned work by 11 contemporary artists of African descent--each of whom lives and works in either the United States or Europe and examines the invented idea of an “authentic” Africa. Each of these artists has positioned themselves outside the frame of Africa, but each remains connected, and by doing so has created a shift in the way the world considers postmodern and postcolonial art production. The participating artists are Siemon Allen, Fatma Charfi, Godfried Donkor, Mary Evans, Meschac Gaba, Kendell Geers, Moshekwa Langa, Ingrid Mwangi, Odili Donald Odita, Owusu-Ankomah and Zineb Sedira. Also included are seven new essays by some of the most exciting and critical voices working internationally today. A Fiction of Authenticity considers the diasporic positioning of these artists, as well as paradigms of discourse concerned with aesthetics, nationhood, citizenship, community, locality and sense of place.

Text by: Salah Hassan, Okwui Enwezor, Orlando Britto Jinorio, Ery Cámara, Gilane Tawadros, Paul Ha