As the African art scene continues to flourish and gain international recognition, it’s an exciting time to delve into the works of talented artists who are making significant strides in their careers. In the second half of 2023, several African artists captivated audiences through their groundbreaking exhibitions, permanent collection acquisitions by renowned museums, and participation in esteemed art fairs. Here are the 5 African artists to watch out for:
Ibrahim Mahama (Ghana)
Known for his thought-provoking installations using repurposed materials, Mahama’s work has been exhibited at the Venice Biennale, 2023 where he explores themes of globalization, labor, and identity. Ibrahim Mahama explores the expression of capital and labor in his installations and wall-based works.
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At the 2015 Venice Biennale, he gained recognition for his use of jute sacks, once carriers of cocoa and now vessels for coal. Each sack bears inscriptions and embellishments with regional patterned fabrics. Mahama sees the sacks as an extension of the human body, connecting the system and origins of their original owners. His immersive installations, found in art spaces and public markets, shed light on the global movement of goods across borders, creating a link between diverse forms and highlighting interconnectedness.
Njideka Akunyili Crosby (Nigeria)
Crosby’s vibrant and intricate mixed-media works have gained international acclaim. As a result, she continues to redefine the portrayal of the African diaspora. Currently exhibiting in LA, Njideka Akunyili Crosby debuts at David Zwirner’s new flagship location in Los Angeles.
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This expansion reflects the gallery’s bicoastal presence, following East Coast peers like Sargent’s Daughter and Clearing. The show highlights work by two Angelenos, including Stan Douglas. Njideka Akunyili Crosby presents captivating paintings, drawings, and collages. Her pieces intricately merge her Nigerian and American upbringing, incorporating personal archives and meticulously researched motifs of flora and fauna.
Zanele Muholi (South Africa)
Zanele Muholi is a photographer and self-proclaimed visual activist who actively explores Black queer identity in contemporary South Africa. Muholi’s powerful photography focuses on LGBTQ+ rights and the celebration of Black queer identities. Their work has garnered attention at major art institutions and has become a crucial voice in contemporary art.
From June 15 to August 17, 2023, Southern Guild hosts Zanele Muholi’s powerful exhibition, “ZANELE MUHOLI.” Showcasing captivating sculpture and photography, the exhibition delves into personal experiences and societal challenges. It challenges taboos, celebrates resilience, and sparks empathy.
Mohau Modisakeng (South Africa)
Born in Soweto in 1986, Modisakeng is a South African artist based in Johannesburg and Cape Town. He graduated from the Michaelis School of Fine Art in Cape Town in 2009 and pursued his Master’s degree there. His work explores race, the militarization of society, and the divisions in post-apartheid South Africa and the post-colonial continent.
Modisakeng questions the collective narratives that shape our perception of the world, particularly those that depict the black body as fragmented and distorted. With a focus on engaging viewers, his art challenges existing norms and confronts societal issues. Recently, the Seattle Art Museum acquired Phahamong III (2023) by Mohau Modisakeng from Martin Art Projects. Don’t miss the chance to bid for their works at artsy.com.
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Serge Attukwei Clottey (Ghana)
Born in Accra, Serge Attukwei Clottey utilizes the yellow gallon container as a central motif in his multidisciplinary practice. Through sculpture, photography, installation, and performance, he repurposes and combines these plastic jugs with other materials. Responding to the theme of The Laboratory of the Future at the Venice Architecture Biennale 2023, Serge Attukwei Clottey has created an installation as part of his ‘Afrogallonism’ project. The sculpture, suspended above the water, reflects sunlight and is situated within the Gaggiandre. In the Corderie, a closer look reveals a fragment of Clottey’s larger work.
Symbolically, the artwork prompts viewers to consider the privilege of access to clean water. Through this site-specific installation, Clottey explores the relationship between yellow gallons and their significance in Ghanaian and African life. Working across various mediums, Clottey investigates personal and political narratives related to trade and migration, blending ‘Afrogallonism’ with the historical Venetian architecture of the Gaggiandre.
These 5 African artists represent a diverse range of practices and perspectives, pushing boundaries and reshaping the contemporary art landscape. Their participation is renowned in exhibitions like the Venice Biennale, acquisition by esteemed museums, and presence in prestigious art fairs like the Canadian Art Fair, London Art Fair, and 154 Art Fair. Be sure to check out their work during this second half of the year!
