The Art Basel Fair concluded just last week, and the tremendous turnout of African galleries left a lasting impression. Remarkable artworks from talented artists caught the eye, with several pieces fetching five-figure purchases. This further indicates the growing recognition of African artists on the global art scene. Let’s delve into some of these extraordinary artworks and the talented artists behind them.
Leilah Babirye’s multidisciplinary art practice transforms found materials into embellishments for ceramic and wooden sculptures. She explores themes of identity, sexuality, personal history, and resilience In her art. Her work breathes new life into discarded objects, creating a community of queer Buganda clans people. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, Babirye’s experience of exile from Uganda has fueled her artistic practice. Additionally, it has enabled her prolific activism in support of LGBTQ+ and human rights worldwide.
True to her skills, her piece “Agali Awamu (Togetherness), 2022,” exhibited by the Stephen Friedman Gallery sold at Art Basel last week. This captivating artwork beautifully embodies the theme of unity and connection. It’s intricate details and thought-provoking composition resonated with art enthusiasts, leading to a significant investment in its acquisition.
Another artist that sold his work at Art Basel is Anthony Akinbola. He is a Nigerian American artist who uses culturally significant objects to explore currents running through the lives of his Black subjects. Anthony Olubunmi Akinbola masterfully crafts minimalist-inspired work. He uses materials that carry significant meanings, such as flags, palm oil, and bullet shell casings. Through his art, he delves into profound themes of identity, respectability, and the commodification of African American culture. His wall-mounted pieces composed of colorful durags have garnered attention. They reflect on divisions within Black cultures while symbolizing pride and addressing the fetishization of Black culture.
Akinbola skillfully weaves his contemplations on skin color with the color relativity theory. These theories were once explored by esteemed predecessors like Ellsworth Kelly, Morris Louis, and Ad Reinhardt. Though his approach may appear simplistic, the deliberate selection of readymade materials and their multifaceted associations speak volumes, resonating with viewers on multiple levels.
Honorable mention in this category goes to Kehinde Wiley and Senga Negudi, Both African American. Kehinde Wiley is an American artist who Explores white dominance in black history. He is known for restaging classical portraits and sculptures with contemporary subjects of color. His lush, narratively rich canvases draw inspiration from textile patterns and the compositional tenets of Old Masters. Wiley dignifies his subjects and subverts the dominance of whiteness in Western art history.
Wiley applies the visual vocabulary and conventions of glorification, history, wealth, and prestige to urban subjects, creating a provocative juxtaposition. Moreover, he challenges traditional portrait painting by featuring larger-than-life figures that blur the boundaries between traditional and contemporary modes of representation. In doing so, he disrupts and interrupts established tropes, particularly regarding the portrayal of masculinity and physicality about black and brown young men.
This intentional inversion of stylistic references forces ambiguity and perplexity to permeate his imagery, stimulating thought and sparking conversations about identity, race, and societal norms. Wiley’s art confronts viewers, urging them to reconsider preconceived notions and embrace a more critical perspective. He is actively engaged in elevating African artists as he set up a residency in Senegal to help African artists. His piece “Ariadne Asleep on the Island of Naxos, 2022,” presented by Templon, also garnered acclaim. This piece, created by the talented artist Leilah, exemplifies her mastery of capturing emotional depth through her art.
Finally, Senga Nengudi, was among the first artists, to exhibit at the Just Above Midtown booth at Art Basel. In 1974, a boyfriend from Zaire lovingly renamed her Senga Nengudi, paying homage to her remarkable works. “Senga” signifies “listen” or “hear” in Duala, while “Nengudi” represents a woman, a true testament to her artistic prowess. She expresses her ideas about the human body through performance-based sculptures and installations. Her renowned work, “R.S.V.P. (1975),” consisted of sand-filled, dark-hued pantyhose stretched in all directions, representing the elasticity and resilience of the human body.
Art Basel provided a platform for these talented Black and African artists to shine, and their exceptional artworks left an indelible mark on attendees. The growing recognition and investment in their pieces highlight the importance of diversity and representation in the art world.
As African artists continue to captivate global audiences with their creativity and perspectives, it is crucial to celebrate their contributions and support their ongoing artistic journeys. Art Basel serves as a testament to the immense talent and potential that lies within the African art community, inspiring future generations and fostering cultural exchange on a global scale.
