Walking into Shared History of the World at OBA Oosterdok felt like stepping into a new dimension. The exhibition wasn’t just a collection of works—it was a world on its own, shaped by Afrofuturism, mythology, and speculative storytelling. With works from more than thirty artists from the Netherlands, the Caribbean, the U.S., and Brazil, the exhibition brought together paintings, digital art, film, installations, and objects that reimagined history, identity, and the future.
This universe was built on the foundation of HIS STORY OF THE WORLD, a series that reimagines history through the lens of the Black diaspora. The exhibition pulled us into that world, blending science, mythology, and future-thinking. The work of AiRich, Melanin Kriss, People of Earth, Grace Stelk, Achi Chioma, Cissy Joan, Zaika dos Santos, Tim Fielder, Stacey Robinson, and many others created a powerful dialogue between past and future.
A key part of this experience was the collaboration with the Black Speculative Arts Movement (BSAM)—a global network of artists, writers, and scholars exploring the intersections of art, technology, and Black identity. With contributions from BSAM NL, BSAM International, and BSAM Brasil, the exhibition became a meeting point for Afrofuturistic visions from across the world. Artists from across the diaspora contributed to this shared vision, including:
🔹 From the Netherlands & the Caribbean: AiRich, ACHI CHIOMA, Cissy Joan, Grace Stelk, Hakeem Rafai (NOR), Haydiêne Nedd, Isabel Berenos, Leroy Soesman, Lucid Belle, Luw Art Tara, Melanin Kriss, Milele Museum, Monsigneur L’Afrique, Neteru Collective, People of Earth, Ptah & Auset Ankh Re, Renychiki, Sander van Beusekom, Sawi3.
🔹 From BSAM International (U.S.): Alan St. Clark, Dr. Reynaldo Anderson, Stacey Robinson, Tim Fielder.
🔹 From BSAM Brasil (Brazil): Adeniran Balthazar aka A1219, Amanara Brandão, Beatriz Bessa, Cau Luis, Danilo Celso, Elaine Martins, Eustáquio ASy, Felipe Borges aka 3ªVisão, Gabriel, Htadhirua, João Ifadare, Jùjú Nsaa, Likidah, Zaika dos Santos.
Everywhere you looked, there was a story. Some pieces felt like portals to ancestral memory, others like blueprints for worlds that don’t yet exist. The energy in the space was tangible—visitors weren’t just looking at art, they were part of a living conversation.
“I’ve never experienced an exhibition like this. It felt like stepping into a future where our history is fully reclaimed—where we define the narrative.” — Visitor
For those who missed it, the impact of Shared History of the World continues. The ideas, the imagery, the stories—it’s all still resonating.
Curious to dive deeper? Read more in this Het Parool article on how Afrofuturism took over Amsterdam.
📺 Watch the AT5 coverage here link to AT5 video.
📸 Scroll down for photos and an impression of the exhibition
