A Celebration of Black Voices: AMOCA’s Inaugural Exhibition Lights Up Cardiff
Last night, the grand Marble Hall of Cardiff’s Temple of Peace transformed into a vibrant gathering place, filled with art, conversation, and a shared energy that was nothing short of electric. The prelaunch of the Artistic Museum of Contemporary Art (AMOCA) marked a powerful moment for Wales’ artistic landscape, unveiling its inaugural exhibition, Dialogues: Black Voices from the Museum Collection.
Stepping into the space, I could feel the creativity in the air—this was more than an exhibition opening; it was the beginning of something special. With works from talented artists celebrating Black creativity in all its forms, the evening was an open invitation to engage, reflect, and celebrate the voices shaping contemporary art today.
A Night of Art, Music, and Insight
The energy of the evening was fuelled by conversation, with a panel of artistic visionaries offering personal and professional insights into the works on display. Anya Paintsil, a Welsh artist whose textile-based art has captivated audiences worldwide, spoke about her craft, her work carries such a strong sense of heritage, identity, and personal history—each piece a tapestry of storytelling in its own right.
Alongside her were Rakeb Sile, founder of Addis Fine Art, and Anders Hedlund, the driving force behind AMOCA. Their discussion, led by Roland-Philippe Kretzschmar, was an inspiring exploration of the importance of representation in art, the evolution of creative spaces, and the collective effort to ensure diverse voices are heard.
The Standout Piece
Among the many striking works on display, Anya Paintsil’s textile-based piece stood out to me in a deeply personal way. Having followed her career for a while, I’ve always admired the way she uses textiles to weave narratives of identity, heritage, and self-expression. There’s an undeniable power in the textures, the colors, and the intricate craft that bring her work to life. Seeing her piece in this setting—surrounded by other brilliant works—was an emotional experience, reinforcing the significance of Black artistry and its rightful place in contemporary exhibitions.
Why You Should Visit
This exhibition is more than an art display—it’s a cultural conversation, a statement of inclusion, and a celebration of voices that deserve to be seen and heard. The works on show are captivating, thought-provoking, and profoundly moving, each one adding to the larger dialogue about representation in art and the exhibition itself has shaped the Welsh Creative scene immensely.
Running from 4–14 June, 11AM–6PM daily, at the Temple of Peace, Marble Hall in Cardiff, Dialogues: Black Voices from the Museum Collection is an unmissable experience for anyone looking to engage with meaningful, striking contemporary art.
If you’re searching for inspiration, for art that challenges and celebrates, for something that stays with you long after you leave the room—this is the exhibition to see.
(Updated 13/06/2025 with further Images)
