Adama Delphine Fawundu reflects on the intersection of art and history

Guided by a deep commitment to community and social impact, Adama Delphine Fawundu (2022 CatchLight Global Fellow) harnesses the power of art to drive meaningful change through historical awareness and education. Her artistic journey is deeply connected to her collective ancestry, shaping both her creative process and engagement with communities.

Fawundu’s latest project, “Ancestral Whispers,” is a compelling installation at the Lefferts Historic House museum in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park. The exhibition honors the Africans enslaved by Continental Army Lieutenant Pieter Lefferts and his family from 1783, following the Revolutionary War, until the abolition of slavery in New York in 1827. Featuring 25 meticulously hand-sewn fabric banners, each inscribed with the name of an enslaved individual, the installation invites viewers to confront and remember a poignant part of history. The exhibit will be on display until December 1, 2024.

“So much of my work involves uncovering what I call universal truths that help us think about how we can move forward. I dig into the archives as a way to think about points in history that go unnoticed and how to reveal them,” Fawundu said. “It’s really important to do that, especially when dealing with the next generation.”

Central to her visual storytelling approach is the concept of Sankofa, a Twi word from the Akan Tribe of Ghana meaning “go back and get it.” This principle emphasizes the importance of looking to the past to build a better future.

“We are facing horrible issues such as climate change, mass genocides—all of these things that come from a colonial structure that were supposed to [represent] advancement are actually destructive,” she said.

Fawundu is guided by her core values of humanity, education, and community. Her work boldly confronts what she perceives as the destructive legacies of colonialism and systemic inequality, all the while prioritizing the needs and welfare of communities.

“As an artist, I’m always thinking outside the box, and what is my truth? How do I commune in several different spaces with integrity, love, peace, and honesty for the sustainability of our world and humanity? A lot of that has to do with going in a different direction,” Fawundu said.

Fawundu discussed her art and community-building practices at CatchLight’s Visual Storytelling Summit in 2024 alongside artist, curator, and founder of Artist As First Responder, Ashara Ekundayo. Together, they explored how understanding our past informs our present and shapes our future. This intimate and free-flowing dialogue highlighted the importance of memory and truth in shaping both individual and collective narratives.

Looking ahead, Fawundu is preparing for a solo exhibition at Euqinom Gallery in San Francisco on September 7. This will be her first solo show in the region and offers a chance to connect with the community while showcasing her latest work.

“I am committed to being persistent and telling the stories that I feel are healing for our communities globally,” Fawundu said. “That’s what I feel comfortable doing, and that’s what I will continue to do.”

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