African art dates back thousands of years. Early African art was often created for religious or ceremonial purposes, and it frequently depicted mythological and folkloric figures. The evolution of African art began in the twentieth century, as artists were influenced by European and American art movements.
In this quick read, we aim to explore what the African contemporary art scene has to offer in 2023.
The Evolution of African Art
African contemporary art is becoming popular by the day. From tales imposed upon the artists and their backgrounds, African artists are now shaping the conversation and driving their narratives. There is now increased recognition of African artists on the international stage, with a curiosity of what they have to offer.
The evolving African art scene is also a hot topic for essays and research papers. You can
buy cheap essay online on the subject of African art if you need academic-type writing on the subject.
An exciting trend in African contemporary art is the focus on contemporary themes such as globalization, climate change, and social justice. African artists are also using their art to challenge stereotypes and to promote a more nuanced understanding of Africa.
Contemporary African Artists Making Waves in 2023
Here are a few contemporary African artists who are making waves in 2023:
Wangechi Mutu is a Kenyan painter and collage artist whose work deals with issues of race, gender, and identity. Her work has been shown in major museums all over the world, including the Whitney Museum of American Art and the Tate Modern. Her next exhibition, Afrotopia, will be held at the Barbican Centre in London (15 June - 20 August 2023).
Toyin Ojih Odutola is a Nigerian painter and printmaker known for her complex and nuanced depictions of Black figures. Her work has been shown in major museums worldwide, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Modern Art. Her upcoming exhibition To Whom It May Concern will be showcased at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago. (16 September 2023 - 8 January 2024).
Zanele Muholi is a South African photographer and visual activist known for her work documenting the experiences of African LGBTQ+ people. Her work has been shown in major worldwide exhibitions, including the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Brooklyn Museum. She is showcasing Seeing Myself at the Tate Modern in London (20 April - 17 July 2023).
Njideka Akunyili Crosby is a Nigerian-American painter known for her work exploring themes of family, identity, and everyday life. Her work has been shown in major museums around the world, including the LA County Museum of Art and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. She has a viewing of Family Tree at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City (6 November 2023 - 17 March 2024).
Abdoulaye Konaté is a Malian sculptor who is known for his work that depicts everyday Malian life. He has exhibited his work in major museums around the world, including the Museum of Modern Art and the Centre Pompidou. He is showcasing Sculptures from Mali at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City (17 October 2023 - 13 March 2024)
These are just some of the contemporary African artists making waves around the world in 2023.
Post-Colonialist African Art
The themes of independence and new dreams were frequently depicted in post-colonial African art. Artists used their work to celebrate their countries' newfound freedom and to express their hopes for the future. Mirroring artists in other areas like Fela Kuti, these African artists sought to establish and provide a definition of their identity. They also sought to be champions of change in the broader African movement, fighting neo-colonialism.
Some of the most famous examples of post-colonialist African art include:
Osogbo School (Nigeria): The Osogbo School was a group of artists who worked in the ‘60s and ‘70s in the Nigerian town of Osogbo. Traditional Yoruba culture and religion, as well as the political and social changes occurring in Nigeria at the time, inspired the artists. Their work frequently portrayed themes of independence, nationalism, and social justice.
Uche Okeke (Nigeria): Uche Okeke was a Nigerian painter and sculptor who is known for his work that revived traditional Igbo art forms. He was a founding member of the Nsukka group of artists, which was active in the 1960s and 1970s. Okeke's work was often centered around Igbo themes of culture and history, as well as the ongoing struggle for independence at the time.
Skunder Boghossian (Ethiopia): Skunder Boghossian is an Ethiopian painter and sculptor. He is known for his work that explores themes of identity, displacement, and memory. His work often incorporates traditional Ethiopian materials and symbols. Boghossian's work has been exhibited in major museums around the world, including the Museum of Modern Art and the Tate Modern.
Contemporary African art can explore more varied and globalist themes compared to post-colonialist African art. African artists today are exploring everything from globalization, and climate change, to social justice and political expressionism in their countries. However, some contemporary African artists are still drawing on the themes of independence and new dreams. For example:
Nástio Mosquito (Angola): Nástio is a well-known Angolan artist whose work focuses on the legacy of colonialism and the challenges of post-colonial nation-building. His work frequently incorporates pop culture references and is frequently humorous. Mosquito's work has been shown in major museums worldwide, including the Centre Pompidou and the Tate Modern.
Sammy Baloji (Congo): Baloji is a Congolese artist known for his work that explores the DRC’s complex history. His work frequently combines photography and video, although he is brave enough to venture outside these artistic limits. Baloji's work has been shown in major museums worldwide, including the Museum of Modern Art and the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Otobong Nkanga (Nigeria): Otobong is a Nigerian artist whose work focuses on themes of memory, displacement, and the environment. Her work frequently combines different mediums, such as painting, drawing, and video. Nkanga's work has been shown in major museums worldwide, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Guggenheim Museum.
African Contemporary Art Exhibitions in 2023
Here are a few contemporary African-themed contemporary exhibitions that are upcoming:
1. Africa & Byzantium at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City (November 19, 2023 - March 3, 2024): This ground-breaking exhibition will look at the links between African and Byzantine art from the fourth to the fifteenth centuries and beyond. This looks almost like an anomaly; seriously, who knew there was a mix of African and Byzantine art? The showcase will include nearly 200 works of art in various mediums such as sculpture, painting, metalwork, and textiles.
2. Abraham Lincoln and the History of Freeing Slaves in America by Georges Adéagbo at the National Museum of African Art in Washington, D.C. (July 22, 2023 - January 2, 2024): This installation by Beninese artist Adéagbo delves into Abraham Lincoln's complicated relationship with the abolition of slavery in America. It includes a variety of objects, such as books, photographs, and sculptures, that are arranged in an intriguing and challenging manner.
3. 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair in London (October 12-15, 2023): This annual art fair is one of the most significant events in the world of African contemporary art. It exhibits the work of artists from Africa and the diaspora and draws visitors from all over the world.
Aside from these upcoming events, there are a few other noteworthy trends in the African contemporary art world in 2023. One trend is the growing number of African artists who collaborate with international artists, especially in the aspect of cultural tourism and exchange. One of these collaborative mixes is the annual Dak 'Art Biennale, held in the Senegalese capital, Dakar.
These “collabs” are assisting artists in breaking down barriers and promoting a more globalized understanding of African art. It is also helping African artists access new economic resources in the way of endorsements and patronage. African collections are commanding high prices within auction houses and galleries the world over.
Another trend is the growing number of African artists addressing social and political issues through their work. Some artists, for example, use their work to raise awareness of climate change, while others use it to challenge social norms.
Wrapping Up
The African contemporary art scene is vibrant and exciting, with artists experimenting with a variety of themes and media. Artists are addressing contemporary issues, challenging stereotypes, and promoting a more nuanced understanding of Africa through their work.
The African contemporary art scene is also becoming more global. African artists are exhibiting their work in major museums worldwide and collaborating with artists from other countries. This globalization is contributing to the increased visibility and accessibility of African contemporary art to a wider audience.
Although the African contemporary art scene is still in its early stages, it has already had a significant impact on the global art world. African artists are creating innovative and thought-provoking work that challenges our perceptions of art and Africa.
