Ugochukwu "Smooth" Nzewi receives Smithsonian Institution Pre-Doctoral Fellowship

In his dissertation, Dak’Art biennial in the making of contemporary African art, 1992 – present, Mr. Nzewi argues that Dak’Art mobilizes an emerging African art world that takes into account contemporary global art flows, but presents a unique model of international participation, which focuses on Africa and African Diaspora.

This regional focus is based on the need to address the problem of poor reception of African art and low visibility of African artists on the international art circuit. Through its exhibitions and conferences since 1992, Dak’Art has provided a crucial platform for encountering and gauging the topography of current artistic practices and art discourse in Africa.
Mr. Nzewi plans to use this fellowship to complete his dissertation research at the National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution.

His advisor is Professor Sidney Kasfir.