The exhibition of contemporary African art titled “Ardent/Non-Ardent Faith” officially opened on January 19, 2026, at the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences in Moscow, drawing art lovers, scholars, and cultural diplomats into a powerful exploration of Christian spirituality in Africa.
Intentionally timed to coincide with the Christian celebration of Epiphany, the exhibition is dedicated to examining the phenomenon of Christian faith on the African continent and its dynamic interaction with indigenous traditions. The event is jointly organised by the Assembly of the Peoples of the World, the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, and the “I–A” Gallery.
According to the curators, Christianity in contemporary Africa remains a central pillar of spirituality, culture, and education. They noted that in many African societies, faith functions as a primary ethical and moral compass, coexisting harmoniously with traditional beliefs rather than displacing them. The exhibition, they explained, reflects both the ardour and authenticity of African Christian faith, while highlighting the unique spiritual expressions shaped by the continent’s diverse cultures.
Through paintings, masks, and sculptures by contemporary African masters, the exhibition immerses visitors in a cultural space described as sincere, vibrant, and profoundly honest. Each work offers a distinctive visual interpretation of belief, devotion, and the sacred, filtered through African aesthetic sensibilities.
Speaking at the opening, Director of the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Alikber Alikberov, emphasised the significance of understanding faith across cultures. He noted that Africa, like the East and Asia, represents a distinct realm of meaning where the idea of God and the sacred is perceived and interpreted in uniquely local ways.
The exhibition showcases works by more than 40 African artists from across the continent, including Mulenga Mubanga, Boston Mulenga and Moses Mulenga of Zambia, Fofa Rabiarijaona of Madagascar, and Boet Nyarira of Zimbabwe, among others. All the featured artists are residents of the “I–A” Gallery, one of Moscow’s most prestigious platforms for contemporary African art, owned by Yanina Dubeykovskaya.
Guests at the opening praised the exhibition for its ability to convey the depth and complexity of Christian faith from fresh and unconventional perspectives, blending theology, culture, and artistic innovation.
At the close of the event, Svetlana Smirnova, Chairperson of the General Council of the Assembly of the Peoples of the World, expressed gratitude to partners and collaborators for their support in promoting dialogue in spiritual culture and public diplomacy.
The “Ardent/Non-Ardent Faith” exhibition will remain open to the public until January 30, offering visitors a rare opportunity to engage with contemporary African art and spirituality in a global cultural setting.
