Cover image: Aalyiah Heath at BIRTHMARK
© Entrée to Black Paris

Little Africa Village is hosting an exhibition of contemporary painting and photography called BIRTHMARK.

Curator Aalyiah Heath of Popout Together conceived this show as an invitation for visitors to engage with the dual meaning of "color" as it pertains to the rich, diverse shades of black skin as well as the vibrant use of this pigment in art.

Works by three artists are featured in the exhibition.  There are photographs from three series by Akil Carter, oil and acrylic paintings on canvas by Setkia, and acrylic and Posca paintings on canvas by Véronique Gonçalves.

Photo by Akil Carter (left) and paintings by Ketsia (center and right)
© Entrée to Black Paris

Photos by Akil Carter (left) and painting by Ketsia (right)
© Entrée to Black Paris

Curator Aalyiah Heath and paintings by Véronique Gonçalves
© Entrée to Black Paris

Part of the text on the information panel mounted on an easel at the beginning of the exhibition reads as follows:

In this exhibition, the term birthmark represents not only physical characteristics, but [also] symbols of individuality, heritage, and the narratives we carry through life. Just as a birthmark can tell a unique story about one's origins and experiences, the colors chosen by the artists represent their diverse backgrounds, influences, and personal journeys.

Little Africa Village has mounted BIRTHMARK as part of the Paris Noir exhibition at the Centre Pompidou, which will open on March 19 and run through June 30, 2025. 

BIRTHMARK will be on display through March 28, 2025.

Little Africa Village
6 bis, rue des Gardes
75018 Paris
Metro: Barbès-Rochechouart (Lines 2 and 4)
Hours: Tuesday through Saturday 11 AM - 7 PM; closed Sunday and Monday