Curated by Ruby Duncan for Black History Month
Moses Bikishoni & The African Flags of Independence
Curated by Ruby Duncan
For Black History Month, Ruby Duncan brings together the powerful works of Zimbabwean artist Moses Bikishoni and Ukrainian art student Mary Goldenberg. Created during the Leys CDI Youth Summer Project, Mary’s seven painted flags—representing Somalia, Ghana, Kenya, Guinea, the Central African Republic, South Africa, and Nigeria—celebrate the culture, creativity, and resilience embodied by each nation.
Moses Bikishoni’s art sits alongside these flags, offering a deeply personal reflection on independence. Now based in Oxford, Moses draws on vivid memories of his youth in Zimbabwe, capturing themes of liberation and the hard-won struggles that came with it. His works reflect the stories of his ancestors and the challenges he lived through, embodying the ongoing fight for freedom.
Read Ruby Duncan’s reflective piece on why the fight for liberation remains vital today. This exhibition underscores the interconnectedness of past and present movements for independence—from African nations to Palestine—reminding us that true freedom is only possible when it is universal.
These works can be viewed 24/7 at The Window Galleries, Friar's Entry OX1 2BZ.
