Our 'A Continent on the Move' exhibition at the World Economic Forum, Davos

The exhibition forms part of Standard Bank’s broader commitment to celebrating African culture and reinforcing the importance of art as a vehicle for cultural exchange and social progress.

As one of the lead partners of Africa Collective, Standard Bank continues its dedication to Africa’s creative industries by bringing art into unexpected global spaces. The exhibition features a carefully selected range of works that offer a glimpse into the Bank’s extensive Corporate Art Collection, illustrating the profound relationship between art, infrastructure, and the ever-changing African landscape. 

By presenting these pieces at Africa Collective, Standard Bank not only reinforces its commitment to supporting the continent’s artistic community but also underscores its role in promoting Africa’s rich cultural heritage on the international stage.

The eight featured works, drawn from artists such as Irma Stern, Maggie Laubser, Sam Nhlengethwa, Derrick Nxumalo, and the collaborative duo Hasan and Hussain Essop, act as a poignant representation of the continent’s ongoing evolution. Through these works, the artists explore themes of infrastructure, urbanisation, migration, and identity, capturing the complex realities of a continent in constant motion.

The works in this exhibition serve as both a reflection of Africa’s infrastructural evolution and a meditation on its broader socio-political landscape. From Irma Stern’s romanticised depictions of nature untouched by modernity to Sam Nhlengethwa’s raw portrayals of urban life, each piece offers a unique lens through which to view the continent’s transformation. The exhibition weaves together historical and contemporary perspectives, highlighting Africa’s resilience and its ongoing negotiation with both its colonial past and its ambitious future. The artists featured in the exhibition embody the tension between progress and preservation, illustrating how infrastructure and human experience intertwine to shape the African narrative.

The inclusion of works by Hasan and Hussain Essop further deepens the exhibition’s exploration of migration and identity, as the artists interrogate the movement of people across the African continent. These works are a stark reminder that Africa is not a passive participant in global change, but an active agent, constantly reimagining its future.

Yolisa Koza, Standard Bank’s Group Head of Brand Experience, commented: “This exhibition reflects our long-standing commitment to the arts and culture of Africa. By presenting these powerful works at Africa Collective, on the sidelines of the WEF Annual Meeting in Davos, we are highlighting not only the remarkable talent of African artists but also the broader cultural and infrastructural shifts taking place on the continent. We are excited to contribute to this important dialogue and to showcase the incredible diversity and depth of African creativity on the global stage.”

Since the 1980s, Standard Bank has been a pioneer in supporting African culture, from championing visual arts to music, theatre, and performance. The Bank’s patronage spans decades and continues to play a key role in fostering social cohesion and driving community engagement through its various initiatives. A Continent on the Move: Perspectives on Africa and its infrastructure from the Standard Bank Corporate Art Collection is another manifestation of Standard Bank’s mission to support and celebrate African creativity, offering a platform for African artists to shine on an international stage.

Africa Collective brings together business leaders, policymakers, and thought leaders to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing the African continent. Africa Collective in collaboration with its partner network Art Network Africa (ANA),collaborated with Standard Bank to curate the exhibition.

This exhibition is a natural complement to the Africa Collective platform’s mission to present Africa as a dynamic, forward-moving continent, full of promise and potential. By merging art with thought leadership, Standard Bank reaffirms its role as a cultural and economic steward for Africa on the global stage.