Mónica de Miranda is a Portuguese-Angolan artist whose research-based practice critically looks at the convergence of politics, gender, memory, space and history. The Foundation supported de Miranda’s studio with a £20,000 grant to bring the artist’s provocations and experiences to a UK audience. Earthworks was a social sculpture installation produced for Somerset House to mark the 25th anniversary of its public art programme. It was on display in the courtyard as part of the1–54 Contemporary African Art Fair between 16-19 October 2025.

This installation was co-commissioned with the Somerset House Trust, and took the form of an immersive 11-metre ‘Creole Garden’ – a temporary pavilion made of soil, wood and plants – which hosted a live programme of poetry, music workshops and conversations. The work drew on the ideas of Achille Mbembe and Amílcar Cabral, seeking to explore soil as an agent of politics and history, reimagining botanical gardens as spaces for decolonial memory and ecological resilience.

Over 2,000 visitors saw the installation over the four days, and the events programme featured artists and thinkers including XEXA, Gisela Mabel, Mi-el, Monica Mussungo and Malcolm Ferdinand.

The UK Branch also hosted a social event with de Miranda’s studio for artists, curators, journalists and arts leaders to celebrate Earthworks and nurture connections internationally and among the sector.

Earthworks in Somerset House Courtyard. Photo ©Jim Winslet

“(Pulling) Threads from the Soil” by Mi-el. Soundscape and spoken words performance. Photo ©Jim Winslet