Dr. A-L Tells: What to Read & Watch- Ntiense Eno-Amooquaye- Crashing the Glass Slippers exhibition

Welcome to my blog series Dr. A-L Tells: What to Read & Watch, where I get to share with you some of my favourite finds from books, films, & other gems that resonated with me so deeply I just had to write about them! In each post, I’ll keep it short & sweet with a 500-word-ish review of something I’ve recently read or watched, often centring Black people, identity, & diverse experiences around the globe.

This series mixes my personal reflections, feelings, & academic insights to offer a fresh take on stories that capture the richness & complexity of Black voices worldwide. I’m here to explore the layers of culture, history, & identity while unpacking how these narratives hit home for me on both intellectual & emotional levels. So, whether you’re in the mood for a thoughtful analysis or just a solid recommendation, I hope each post brings a quick but meaningful spark to your day! ✨

In this post, I dive into Ntiense Eno-Amooquaye- Crashing the Glass Slippers exhibition

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On 30 November 2024, I had the privilege of visiting Crashing the Glass Slippers, an exhibition at Chapter Arts Centre in Cardiff, Wales, by the award-winning & internationally acclaimed artist Ntiense Eno-Amooquaye. As a member of the Intoart collective, Eno-Amooquaye’s work is vibrant, bold, & unapologetically Afrocentric. Running from 26 October 2024 to 19 January 2025, this exhibition showcased a striking exploration of structure, style, & self-expression.

From the moment I entered the gallery, I was immediately drawn to the dynamic interplay of photos, garments, a video, wall & floor art. This blend sparked fascinating conversations with my friend, both during & after our viewing. The exhibition felt immersive- each work invited close engagement, and every layer unfolded new perspectives. Eno-Amooquaye’s art is both abstract & deeply personal, allowing room for interpretation while always centring her voice through words & images.

Wall art at Ntiense Eno-Amooquaye's Crashing the Glass Slippers exhibition

One of the most striking aspects was the prominent display of vibrant self-portraits as you entered the space. Positioned to the right, these powerful self-portraits commanded attention, celebrating her identity & presence in a bold, visual statement. They stood as an unapologetic celebration of her being. Visitors were also treated to her voice in a video installation, reciting poetry that enriched the experience further. The inclusion of her voice added a personal touch, making it feel like a conversation with the artist herself.

Self portraits of Ntiense Eno-Amooquaye at Ntiense Eno-Amooquaye's Crashing the Glass Slippers exhibition. Photo credit: Myya Helm

Despite the brilliance of the exhibition, I couldn’t help but notice how little it had been advertised. I stumbled upon it by chance, which left me wondering how many others- particularly from communities with strong ties to Africa, especially Yoruba & Ashanti cultures- had missed out. The lack of promotion felt like a missed opportunity to amplify the work of an artist whose vision deserves greater visibility. It made me reflect on the larger issue of whose voices are amplified in the art world & who’s left in the margins, even when their work is showcased.

A highlight for me was the interactivity of the exhibition. My photos reflect how deeply engaged I was- I found myself drawn in by the textures & layers, wishing I could touch the pieces to fully experience them. One of my favourite aspects was how Eno-Amooquaye celebrated African fashion as avant-garde, high fashion in its own right-

something often overlooked in mainstream fashion. Her work demanded not just visual attention but emotional connection, pulling the viewer into a space of deep appreciation & curiosity. As I walked through the exhibition, I felt at home, like I was in my ideal closet. I could imagine myself, my friends, & my family wearing many of the pieces to various events. The designs felt like personal expressions that could be woven into our everyday lives, celebrating culture, identity, & style.

Engaging with the pieces at Ntiense Eno-Amooquaye's Crashing the Glass Slippers exhibition. Photo credit: Myya Helm

While we were given an exhibition program, where we could read that each piece had its own distinct title, such as Life in Memory with Art & Nature, 2022, or Union Holds, Protest Touches, 2023 which grounded the pieces in the overall theme while leaving room for open interpretation. I wish there had been an artist talk. Hearing Eno-Amooquaye discuss her process, inspirations, & the meaning behind her work would have been invaluable. I left inspired with new ideas for my tailor, but also longing for a deeper connection to her voice beyond what was on display.

Pieces at Ntiense Eno-Amooquaye's Crashing the Glass Slippers exhibition.

Crashing the Glass Slippers was an experience that stayed with me long after I left the gallery. Eno-Amooquaye’s ability to merge text, poetry, image, & materiality into a cohesive, thought-provoking body of work is truly special. I only wish more people had the opportunity to witness it. It’s an exhibition that deserves to be seen, celebrated, & remembered.