Can a photographic portrait inspire political imagination? Ideas of Africa: Portraiture and Political Imagination examines how photographers and their sitters contributed to the proliferation of Pan-African solidarity during the mid-20th century. Embracing the internationalist spirit of the time, photographers working in Central and West African cities created images of everyday citizens, dazzling music scenes, and potent manifestations of youth culture that reflected emerging political realities. In celebration of the exhibition, on view at The Museum of Modern Art through July 25, 2026, and the accompanying publication, join curator Oluremi C. Onabanjo in conversation with the Parisian art collective Air Afrique on the creative potential of the photographic portrait and its political resonance across the globe.