Afrorescences is a research, reflection and sharing platform dedicated to afrodescendant art and visual artists on French territory. The platform is part of a joint research project by the University of Montreal (Canada) and Emory University (United States) dedicated to exploring, documenting and analyzing the aesthetic and political issues of artistic productions by artists of African descent.
Through a decolonial, qualitative approach that challenges dominant narratives and values situated knowledge and practices, this project aims to understand how art and artists contribute to rethinking discussions on race, national identity and gender while proposing alternative narratives, perspectives and possible futures.
Much more than a simple directory, Afrorescences is a powerful tool for showcasing and amplifying the artistic productions of afrodescendant artists—a group that is too often excluded from exhibitions and institutional collections on French territory. This platform aims to serve as a resource for sharing knowledge, creating dialogue and building relationships. Freely accessible and bilingual (French/English), it brings together approximately fifteen artists who have been active since 2005.
The content stems from field research, interviews, critical readings and conversations held with artists, activists and researchers. It reflects a commitment to popularizing academic reflections and to recognizing and valuing experiential and community knowledge. Users will find a tree structure of key figures in the Afro-diasporic artistic ecosystem, along with information on events such as exhibitions, gatherings and workshops. This tree structure—called arborescence in French—aims to illustrate the landscape of this ecosystem and the connections between people through collectives, events and venues while highlighting the diversity of their artistic productions over time.
The objective of this website is not to offer a fixed vision of afrodescendant artistic productions in France but rather to trace pathways, raise questions and make visible practices sometimes eclipsed by dominant aesthetic canons. It is addressed both to those engaged in artistic circles and to researchers, students or interested individuals wishing to better understand contemporary afrodescendant art(ists) on French territory.
Afrorescences is based on an ethical stance committed to listening, co-construction and respect for the voices expressed. Acknowledging the colonial and racist legacies that permeate institutions, including academic ones, the project seeks to create a space that fosters the deconstruction of these systems by collaborating with implicated communities rather than speaking on their behalf.
Finally, this website is constantly evolving. Designed as a so-called living space, it remains open to contributions, discussion and transformation. If you wish to suggest a resource or engage in dialogue with Afrorescences, please do not hesitate to contact us.
We hope this space will nourish your reflections, awaken your curiosity and perhaps inspire new creative collaborations.
A research assistant at Afrorescences since 2025, David Bipolo helped prepare the descriptions of the artist collectives and participates in the project’s overall research efforts. He has his own artistic practice, holding a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Concordia University. In addition, he is currently pursuing graduate studies in art history at the University of Montreal under the supervision of Dr. Celis. As such, David Bipolo is well-positioned to channel and shape the conceptual framework of Afrorescences’ diverse discourse.
A faculty member at the University of Montreal, Abigail E. Celis’ research focuses on the afterlives of French colonialism, contemporary artistic creation and museum practices. As co-principal investigator of Afrorescences, she conceptualized the project and secured its funding. Dr. Celis contributes to the project’s literature reviews and interviews, notably through a critical museology perspective and decolonial approaches. She manages the project and supervises the research assistants in collaboration with Dr. Montlouis-Gabriel.
Mariama Conteh is an artist living and working in the Île-de-France region. Following studies at Sciences Po Paris, La Sorbonne Paris IV and Mount Holyoke College (United States), she obtained her fine arts degree from the École des Beaux-Arts de Cergy in 2025. She is a founding member of the Transplantation Project in Paris. At Afrorescences, she has been a research assistant since the project’s founding, in 2023, contributing to the development of the website and providing qualitative data on actors within the contemporary diasporic art scene.
A doctoral student in social work at the University of Montreal, Caroline Keisha Foray investigates the connections between social movements and the arts, with a particular interest in artivism within Black Canadian communities. As a research assistant for Afrorescences, she contributes to project orientation, transcribes and analyzes interviews, and writes web content. She also provides a critical perspective on social justice issues and the dialogues between artistic practices and sociopolitical engagement.
A master’s student in museology at the University of Montreal, Célia Mbas is interested in the social role of museums, contemporary art exhibitions and engaged curatorial practices. As a research assistant at Afrorescences, she documents Afro-diasporic artistic ecosystems, conducts interviews, writes web content and contributes to the site’s digital and conceptual development. She also addresses legal matters and offers a critical museological perspective.
An assistant professor at Emory University (United States), Johanna Montlouis-Gabriel’s research focuses on Afrofeminism in contemporary French cultural productions and digital technologies related to Black bodies. As co-principal investigator of Afrorescences, she contributed to the project’s development, literature review and interviews, bringing a decolonial pedagogy perspective. She currently manages the project and supervises the research assistants in collaboration with Dr. Celis and oversees the digital humanities component.
Trésor Niyonkuru is a multidisciplinary creative currently pursuing a master’s degree in cinema, video games, television and media arts at the University of Montreal. His research focuses on memory and sociological, anthropological and philosophical questions, using digital art and music as both medium and media. As a native of Burundi who has spent most of his life in Belgium and is now studying in North America, Trésor is drawn to issues of fragmented identities, which inspired him join the Afrorescences project.
David Duhamel holds a master’s degree in art history from the University of Montreal. From 2023 to 2024, he served as an Afrorescences research assistant, conducting preliminary research, participating in the ethics review process of the interview methodology and coordinating interviews.
Mariah O’Brien pursued doctoral studies at the University of Montreal and now works in the contemporary art gallery sector. From 2023 to 2024, she served as an Afrorescences research assistant, conducting preliminary research, participating in the ethics review process of the interview methodology and coordinating interviews.
What does the title “Afrorescences” mean?
Afrorescences is a fusion of the words “Afro” and “arborescences.” The title captures the spirit, origins and objectives of the project, which revolves around a tree structure symbolizing the group of artists and arts and culture workers we engaged with. Weaving together diverse identities, the project is rooted in the past while embracing the vibrancy of the present.
How did this project come about?
The project was born out of a need to document, honor and promote dialogue around the professional trajectories of Black visual artists in France, who are often underrepresented in the dominant narratives of art history.
Why focus on afrodescendant visual artists on French territory?
In France, Black artists are often underrepresented in cultural institutions, collections, research programs and the media. Their presence in art history remains marginalized, despite the richness, diversity and political power of their work. Driven by a desire for visibility, narrative justice and memory, Afrorescences aims to document experiences and narratives that otherwise remain invisible and to embed them mindfully and contextually into French cultural history.
It is less about “including” these artists than about challenging exclusionary structures and creating space for autonomous, situated and pluralist narratives. By focusing on French territory, Afrorescences highlights dynamics tied to colonial history, immigration, Black identity in the French context, and contemporary issues of representation.
What is the methodological approach of the project?
The methodological approach of the project combines:
This methodology aims to produce accurate and dialogic documentation while respecting each participant’s pace, limits and consent.
What is the purpose of this website?
To offer a space for resources, testimonials and visibility for Black artists in France. It aims to inform, inspire and foster exchange around their practices.
Is this project academic, artistic and community-based (or a combination of the three)?
Afrorescences is a hybrid project, at the crossroads of academic research, artistic creation and community engagement.
How is the project funded?
Afrorescences benefits from an Insight Development Grant of the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) as well as a Research Support for New Academics grant of the Fonds de recherche du Québec – Société et culture (FRQSC).
How were the interviews conducted?
The interviews were conducted remotely via videoconference and recorded with the participants’ consent.
How were the participants selected?
Participants were selected based on the diversity of their backgrounds and practices, their social and societal engagement, their collaborative approaches, as well as the relevance of these to the project’s themes. The selection process relied on team members’ personal or professional connections, in order to encourage communication through pre-existing bonds of trust. However, this approach invariably resulted in an overrepresentation of individuals from existing networks, particularly those in the Paris region, due to both the team’s contacts and the centralization of artistic institutions. We acknowledge this recruitment bias and plan to, for the remainder of the project, broaden the selection to other regions, including outside of the Hexagon, in order to better reflect the diversity of artistic backgrounds and practices.
Are the audio and video recordings available?
Not at this time. The website does not offer any audio or video recordings, namely, to honour agreements made with participants.
How is the data used?
The data is used for dissemination, research and documentation purposes, in accordance with the rights and agreements made with participants.
Can I propose a collaboration or share my experience?
Yes, we welcome proposals for collaboration. Feel free to contact us using this form: forms.gle/gjt9xRxhxig4L1XF6
How can I cite this website in a research paper?
You can cite the website as follows:
Is the content copyright-free?
Unless otherwise stated, it is not. All content is protected by copyright. Permission is required for the use of any reproduction.
What values guide this project?
This project is guided by fundamental values, which are not only declarative but truly integrated into every stage of the work:
In short, it is not just a matter of collecting content but of creating a space for care, transmission and reappropriation.
How can we contact you?
You can contact us in writing using this contact form: forms.gle/gjt9xRxhxig4L1XF6
Will the website be updated regularly?
The current website is a prototype that does not allow for frequent updates due to technical constraints. Following an initial period of evaluation, reflection and additional research, we hope to launch an enhanced and more flexible version that will allow us to make regular updates.
Where can I follow news about the project and the artists?
Please consult the biographical notes for links to the participants’ websites or social media accounts.