Emerson Zanzibar Foundation Art Collection
- Emerson's Collection 17 April - 19th June 2025
Online Catalogue with Audio
The exhibition Catalogue with written & audio guide, and the Curatorial Statement of the seven pieces by the artist Damian Msagula is now online.
Outside The Lines
Outside the lines is an annual exhibition showcasing works from Emerson Skeen’s extensive collection of art, artifacts, fabrics, and furniture gathered throughout his time in Zanzibar.
This exhibition highlights the influences behind Emerson’s artistic and cultural vision, connecting his legacy with the foundations aim to support individuals with exceptional talents in artistic and academic fields and to assist local organizations that preserve and enhance the culture of Zanzibar.
Emerson Skeen's Collection
Those who visited his hotels know Emerson Skeen’s passion for collecting art and artifacts. He was deeply inspired by the island’s rich cultural expressions, often blending Swahili art and objects with modern and foreign influences. His designs were rooted in Swahili traditions, using local materials and techniques suited to the climate and culture.
Emerson’s approach was eclectic, never confined to a single tone, style, or trend. Like a skilled musician, he improvised, combining different keys and rhythms while respecting the structural beauty of Zanzibar.
Damian B.K. Msagula (1939-2005)
Not much is known about the history of the paintings in Emerson’s collection, other than that they were purchased in the late 1980s and 1990s. Msagula, originally from Ndanda in the Mtwara region, began his artistic journey with the Tinga Tinga collective in Dar es Salaam.
Over time, he developed his own distinct style and became a prominent figure in the Tanzanian art scene, sharing stylistic and thematic connections with peers like George Lilanga and other artists from Nyumba ya Sanaa. Msagula’s work is known for its unique technique, where he boldly colored outside the lines.
Emerson Dewey Skeen
Emerson Dewey Skeen first traveled to Zanzibar in the 1980s and, after several visits, decided to live there for 25 years.
Beyond opening boutique hotels, he was deeply engaged in cultural initiatives that continue to influence the island’s art scene today.
In collaboration with others, he helped launch significant projects such as the Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF), the Dhow Countries Music Academy, and the internationally recognized Sauti za Busara music festival.
For a deeper look into Msagula’s technique and his influence on the Zanzibari art scene, an interactive experience is available via the online Exhibition Catalogue and Curatorial Statement.
We hope you enjoy this experience and let your eyes, not your preconceptions, guide you through his narratives.
Jan van Esch
Independent curator and artist
janvanesch.com
View the Emerson Zanzibar Foundation Exhibition Catalogue 2025
(Please allow time to download)
Download the uncompressed PDF version (24Mb) of Emerson Zanzibar Art Award Exhibition 2024 Catalogue click here.
Emerson Collection Art Exhibition officially opened
The Opening of the Emerson’s Zanzibar Foundation Art Collection 2025 in Stone Town, celebrated the extraordinary contributions of the much loved Tanzanian artist, Damien Msagula.
The highlight of the opening on the 17th April 2025 was the introduction given by Jan van Esch, Independent Curator for the exhibition. Jan explained the unique contribution made by the featured artist Msugala. He also gave some insights in how to pause, look and observe the artworks on display.
📸 with thanks to Omar Rashid (IG: @great_bazungu6 )
Emerson Zanzibar Foundation Encourages Local Artists
Artists join Emerson Zanzibar to inspire local creativity
During the worldwide Covid Pandemic, Emerson Zanzibar Foundation started holding art exhibitions. These were curated exhibitions, located at the Emerson Hotels in Stone Town styled around a live interview with the artist. Everyone was welcomed in Emerson Zanzibar style – from the few, curious tourists, residents, to invited special guests – with fresh hibiscus juice, ginger tea, local snacks and sweets lovingly made by the hotel’s chef.
A group of artists approached Emerson Zanzibar Foundation with a request to organise an exhibition with both established and young, upcoming artists – to provide an opportunity for well established artists to share their experiences and for the young a chance to show their work publicly.
The idea grew from visual art, expanding to creativity in music, a special dinner planned to share local creativity in gastronomy and also combined with the regular Emerson Zanzibar Foundation’s award to celebrate Zanzibari film-makers.
Emerson Zanzibar is not just hotels and restaurants; since our doors opened, Emerson Zanzibar has been very closely connected to the creative sector. And so the Visual Arts awards began…’Â
Thank you to Jan van Esch, Curator –Â janvanesch.com
Veritas Africa – Foods and Drinks in Zanzibar
Simply IT – Websites in Tanzania
