What is African Contemporary Art?
So you've heard about contemporary art from Europe and North America, but what about contemporary art from Africa? Contemporary African art is bold, vibrant, and tells stories of African experiences that are often overlooked in the Western art world. Contemporary art from Africa is exploding onto the global scene, and now is the perfect time to start learning about the diverse range of artistic expression across this creative continent.
From colorful textiles to moving installations, sculpture, painting, photography and more, contemporary African art will captivate you. Meet artists from Egypt to South Africa who are making provocative work that provides commentary on social, political, and environmental issues facing their communities. Their art is a fusion of traditional African creative practices combined with experimental new mediums and styles.
Contemporary African art deserves more prominence and recognition. This genre of art made in Africa, by African artists, can no longer remain an untapped resource for art lovers and collectors around the world. The future of art is global, and contemporary African art should be an essential part of the global conversation. Ready to take a journey across Africa and experience art that will move you? Then dive into the world of contemporary African art.
Defining African Contemporary Art
Defining African contemporary art can be challenging given the diversity of artistic practices across the continent. At its core, African contemporary art refers to art produced by artists living in Africa from the mid-20th century onward. It encompasses a wide range of media, including painting, sculpture, photography, video, installation, and performance art.
While some artists address political or social issues, others draw inspiration from African cultural traditions or personal experiences. Many incorporate materials and techniques from local crafts, textiles, or design. Some common themes include identity, globalization, and the impact of colonialism.
The art scene in many African nations is thriving, though support structures like funding, galleries, and art schools are often lacking. Some well-known contemporary African artists, like Ghana's El Anatsui, have achieved international success by participating in the global art market and biennials. However, most contemporary African artists remain relatively unknown outside the continent.
There is no single style or medium that defines contemporary African art. It reflects the diversity of experiences across Africa and its diasporas. At its heart, the work of these artists aims to share African stories with the world and shape perceptions of the continent. Exploring this vibrant creative expression offers insight into what it means to be African today.
Whether abstract or figurative, conceptual or craft-based, African contemporary art has something for everyone. This dynamic art form deserves to be better known and celebrated around the globe. Discovering these artists and their works is a chance to glimpse Africa’s present and future.
The History and Evolution of African Contemporary Art
African contemporary art has evolved a lot over the last century. Originally, most African art was centered around traditional crafts, religious rituals, and cultural practices. But in the 1950s and 60s, African art began to take on more contemporary themes reflecting modern life in Africa.
The Post-Colonial Period
After most African countries gained independence in the mid-20th century, African art started to explore more political and social issues. Artists began using new mediums like painting and sculpture to make bold statements about oppression, poverty, and globalization. This post-colonial art aimed to reclaim African identity and critique the lasting impacts of imperialism.
Some influential artists from this era include Ghanaian painter Ablade Glover, known for his vibrant depictions of market scenes and street life. South African artist Esther Mahlangu is famous for her colorful murals and paintings inspired by Ndebele tribal art. Ugandan sculptor Gregory Maloba carved dramatic human figures from wood to address issues like disease and conflict.
A Global Movement
Today, the contemporary African art scene is thriving. Art fairs like 1-54 in London and Dak'Art Biennale in Senegal showcase works from across the continent. African artists exhibit in major museums and collaborate internationally. Their art explores universal themes like identity, freedom, and human rights. Mediums range from digital photography and mixed media to recycled materials and found objects.
Contemporary African art has come a long way in expressing the diversity of African experiences. By using both traditional and modern forms, it shares a vibrant vision of what it means to be African today, rich in history yet forward-looking. African contemporary art deserves to be recognized as a pivotal movement that connects Africa to the global art sphere.
Notable African Contemporary Artists to Know
Some of the most well-known contemporary African artists today are pushing boundaries and gaining global recognition. Their works explore themes of identity, politics, and culture in innovative ways.
El Anatsui
The Ghanaian sculptor El Anatsui creates massive, intricate works from discarded bottle caps and copper wire that explore themes of colonization, globalization, and recycling. His pieces have been exhibited at major art institutions around the world, including the Royal Academy of Arts, the Smithsonian, and the Venice Biennale.
Julie Mehretu
The abstract paintings of Julie Mehretu, an Ethiopian-American artist, are influenced by geography, architecture, and social movements. Her large-scale paintings are built up of layers of marks, gestures, and lines that represent the forces of globalization, war, migration, and urban landscape. Mehretu’s works have been acquired by leading museums like the Guggenheim, the Tate Modern, and the Walker Art Center.
Wangechi Mutu
The Kenyan artist Wangechi Mutu is known for her provocative collage paintings and sculptures that explore politics of gender and race. Her works incorporate materials like magazines, fur, feathers, and bronze. Mutu’s first major solo museum exhibition in the U.S. was at the Brooklyn Museum in 2013. Her art is included in the collections of the Museum of Modern Art, the Guggenheim, and the Tate Modern.
Athi-Patra Ruga
The multidisciplinary South African artist Athi-Patra Ruga creates photographs, performances, tapestries, and multimedia installations that explore sexuality, mythologies, and the post-apartheid era. Ruga’s art has been shown at the Venice Biennale, the São Paulo Biennial, and London’s Somerset House. His provocative and colorful works offer a glimpse into an imaginary utopian world that transcends boundaries.
These are just a few of the most prominent contemporary African artists gaining global recognition for their impactful and thought-provoking works. Exploring their art is a great way to understand some of the issues and experiences that shape present-day Africa.
Common Themes and Styles in African Contemporary Art
African contemporary art encompasses a wide range of styles, media, and themes. Some of the most common themes you'll encounter are:
Identity and Culture
Many contemporary African artists explore issues of personal and cultural identity in their work. They may incorporate traditional African motifs, colors, and imagery with modern styles to represent the fusion of past and present. Some works examine the legacy of colonialism and its impact on African identity.
Political and Social Commentary
A number of artists use their work to make bold statements about political and social issues affecting Africa. Common subjects include government corruption, poverty, inequality, pollution, and environmental destruction. The art often conveys messages of empowerment, resistance, and hope for change.
Spirituality
Spirituality, religion, and belief systems frequently influence the work of contemporary African artists. References to African spiritual symbols, deities, and rituals are common. Some art aims to reconnect viewers with traditional African spiritual values and wisdom.
Everyday Life
Many contemporary African artists find inspiration in the details of daily life in Africa. Their art depicts scenes of people working, playing, celebrating, and engaging in other everyday activities. Styles range from highly realistic to abstracted and stylized. The art provides insight into the vibrant cultures, communities, and human experiences across Africa.
In terms of style, contemporary African art is highly diverse. It includes paintings, sculptures, textiles, ceramics, photography, and more. While some art incorporates traditional African visual elements, other works are completely modern and abstract. Overall, contemporary African art reflects the diversity, history, experiences, and viewpoints of artists across the continent. It is a vibrant and globally influential art movement.
The Global Influence and Popularity of African Contemporary Art
African contemporary art has become popular on a global scale. Galleries and collectors around the world seek out works by prominent African artists. Biennials and art fairs frequently feature modern and contemporary African art. Some of the most well-known contemporary African artists, like El Anatsui, Yinka Shonibare, and Julie Mehretu, have achieved international acclaim and success.
Growing Interest
Interest in contemporary art from Africa has steadily increased over the past few decades. This surge in popularity is due in part to globalization and efforts by curators, gallerists, and artists to promote contemporary African art on an international platform. Many contemporary African artists address social and political issues in their work, creating pieces that spark thought and conversation. These compelling and socially-engaged artworks have resonated with audiences worldwide.
Diverse Styles and Media
Contemporary African art is extremely diverse. Artists work in a variety of styles, subjects, and media, from paintings and sculptures to installations, photography, video art, and more. While some artists explore traditional African cultural themes or incorporate traditional materials and techniques, others create art unrelated to traditional African art forms. Styles range from expressionism and abstraction to realism and postmodernism. With such diversity, contemporary African art offers something for nearly every artistic taste.
An Exciting Art Scene
Several major cities in Africa, like Lagos, Nigeria, and Cape Town, South Africa, have thriving contemporary art scenes. These cities are home to numerous art galleries, art centers, biennials, and art fairs that showcase work by established and up-and-coming artists. For art lovers interested in discovering new talent and the latest in contemporary African art, these cities provide an exciting cultural destination.
The global interest and popularity of contemporary African art show no signs of waning. As African artists continue to gain prominence on the world stage, and as art institutions and collectors continue to recognize the importance of contemporary African art, this dynamic art form will only become more significant and influential.
Conclusion
So now you have a sense of what African contemporary art is all about. It's an exciting genre that is vibrant, bold, and culturally rich. The art reflects both traditional and modern influences, with diverse mediums and subjects. There are so many talented artists to discover and support. The next time you visit an art museum or gallery, keep an eye out for examples of contemporary art from African countries. You may find a new favorite artist or gain a deeper appreciation for the creative spirit of communities across the continent. Contemporary African art deserves more recognition and praise on the global stage. You can do your part by learning more and spreading the word about this meaningful movement.