Contemporary African art is a broad term that encompasses the diverse and dynamic artistic expressions of artists from Africa and the African diaspora. It is not a monolithic or homogeneous category, but rather a reflection of the rich and complex histories, cultures, identities, and perspectives of African people. Contemporary African art challenges the stereotypes and misconceptions that have often dominated the Western perception of Africa, and showcases the creativity, innovation, and resilience of African artists in the face of social, political, and economic challenges.
Contemporary African art emerged in the post-independence era, when many African countries gained their freedom from colonial rule and sought to assert their sovereignty and identity in the global arena. Many African artists were trained in European and American schools, where they encountered various artistic movements and styles, such as cubism, expressionism, surrealism, and abstraction. Some of them adopted these influences and incorporated them into their own artistic vision, while others rejected them and sought to revive and reinterpret the traditional forms and techniques of their ancestral heritage. Some artists also experimented with new mediums and methods, such as photography, video, installation, performance, and digital art, to explore contemporary issues and realities.
Contemporary African art is not confined to the continent, but also includes the works of artists who live and work in other parts of the world, such as Europe, America, Asia, and Australia. These artists are often referred to as the African diaspora, and they bring their own experiences and perspectives to their art, creating a dialogue between their origins and their current contexts. Some of them address the themes of migration, displacement, identity, hybridity, and belonging, while others engage with global issues such as human rights, environmentalism, feminism, and social justice.
Contemporary African art has gained increasing recognition and visibility in the international art scene in recent decades, thanks to the efforts of various institutions, organizations, curators, collectors, critics, and artists themselves. Some of the milestones include:
- The establishment of auction departments dedicated to contemporary African art by major auction houses such as Sotheby’s (2017) and Bonhams (2009).
- The launch of art fairs focused on contemporary African art such as 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair (2013) in London, New York, and Marrakech; Also Known As Africa (AKAA) (2016) in Paris; Art X Lagos (2016) in Nigeria; Investec Cape Town Art Fair (2013) in South Africa; and Latitudes Art Fair (2019) in Johannesburg.
- The organization of biennials and triennials that showcase contemporary African art such as Dak’Art Biennale (1992) in Senegal; Bamako Encounters (1994) in Mali; Johannesburg Biennale (1995) in South Africa; Cairo Biennale (1984) in Egypt; Lubumbashi Biennale (2008) in Democratic Republic of Congo; Marrakech Biennale (2005) in Morocco; LagosPhoto Festival (2010) in Nigeria; Addis Foto Fest (2010) in Ethiopia; Kampala Art Biennale (2014) in Uganda; Casablanca Biennale (2012) in Morocco; Kochi-Muziris Biennale (2012) in India; Venice Biennale (1895) in Italy; Documenta (1955) in Germany; Gwangju Biennale (1995) in South Korea; Shanghai Biennale (1996) in China; Havana Biennial (1984) in Cuba; São Paulo Biennial (1951) in Brazil; Istanbul Biennial (1987) in Turkey; Sydney Biennale (1973) in Australia; Whitney Biennial (1932) in USA; Berlin Biennale (1998) in Germany; Sharjah Biennial (1993) in UAE; Singapore Biennale (2006) in Singapore; Taipei Biennial (1998) in Taiwan; Kochi-Muziris Biennale
- The opening of galleries and museums that specialize or feature contemporary African art such as Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA) (2017) in South Africa; Museum of African Contemporary Art Al Maaden (MACAAL) (2016) in Morocco; Museum of Black Civilizations (2018) in Senegal; Centre for Contemporary Art Lagos (2007) in Nigeria; Stevenson Gallery (2003) in South Africa; Goodman Gallery (1966) in South Africa; Magnin-A Gallery (2009) in France; October Gallery (1979) in UK; Jack Shainman Gallery (1984) in USA; Mariane Ibrahim Gallery (2012) in USA; Gallery 1957 (2016) in Ghana; Tiwani Contemporary (2011) in UK; Sulger-Buel Gallery (2014) in UK; Afronova Gallery (2004) in South Africa; Circle Art Gallery (2015) in Kenya; First Floor Gallery (2009) in Zimbabwe; Afriart Gallery (2002) in Uganda; Omenka Gallery (2003) in Nigeria; Rele Gallery (2015) in Nigeria; Retro Africa (2015) in Nigeria; SMAC Gallery (2007) in South Africa; WHATIFTHEWORLD Gallery (2008) in South Africa; and many more.
- The publication of books, journals, magazines, and online platforms that document, analyze, and promote contemporary African art such as Contemporary And (C&) (2013); Nka: Journal of Contemporary African Art (1994); African Arts (1967); Another Africa (2010); Art Africa (2002); ArtThrob (1997); Contemporary African Art Since 1980 (2009) by Okwui Enwezor and Chika Okeke-Agulu; The Short Century: Independence and Liberation Movements in Africa 1945-1994 (2001) by Okwui Enwezor; The Rise of the African Novel: Politics of Language, Identity, and Ownership (2018) by Mukoma Wa Ngugi; Africa Remix: Contemporary Art of a Continent (2004) by Simon Njami; and many more.
- The recognition and awarding of contemporary African artists by prestigious prizes and honors such as the Turner Prize (1984) in UK; the Hugo Boss Prize (1996) in USA; the Praemium Imperiale (1989) in Japan; the MacArthur Fellowship (1981) in USA; the Prix Pictet (2008) in Switzerland; the Artes Mundi Prize (2002) in UK; the Future Generation Art Prize (2009) in Ukraine; the Absa L’Atelier Award (1986) in South Africa; the FNB Art Prize (2011) in South Africa; the Standard Bank Young Artist Award (1981) in South Africa; the Rolex Mentor and Protégé Arts Initiative (2002) in Switzerland; the Smithsonian Artist Research Fellowship (2007) in USA; the Rijksakademie Residency (1985) in Netherlands; the Rockefeller Foundation Bellagio Center Residency (1959) in Italy; the Civitella Ranieri Foundation Fellowship (1995) in Italy; the Guggenheim Fellowship (1925) in USA; and many more.
Contemporary African art is a vibrant and diverse field that reflects the multifaceted realities and aspirations of African people. It is also a powerful medium for dialogue, exchange, and collaboration among artists and audiences across the world. It is a testament to the creativity, innovation, and resilience of African artists who have overcome various challenges and barriers to express themselves and share their stories. It is a celebration of the richness and complexity of African cultures and identities, as well as their contributions to the global artistic landscape. It is a new era of recognition for contemporary African art, and a new opportunity for engagement, appreciation, and learning.