Buckle up as we embark on a journey through the regions to spotlight the African galleries in Frieze London 2024. Focusing on living artists and avant-garde art practices, the annual Frieze London art fair returns to Regent’s Park from October 9th to 13th. This year introduces a new floor plan and layout designed by Studio Between, spotlighting curated sections like Artist-to-Artist and the new Smoke theme.
Artist-to-Artist showcases solo presentations by emerging artists nominated by renowned practitioners, reflecting a commitment to fostering new talent and global connections; while Smoke exhibits ceramic works that explore diasporic and indigenous histories. It’ll be thrilling to discover how these creative adjustments add a whole new dynamic!
North Africa
Gypsum Galley (Cairo, Egypt):
Founded in Cairo in 2013, Gypsum focuses on social, political, and formal issues. It represents 13 international artists with varied practices, with a dedication to producing and promoting contemporary art. Through Gypsum, Cairo’s innovative non-profit art sector is merged with a commercial environment that fosters intimate connections and meaningful conversations.
Leading regional and international collections, including the Centre Pompidou and the British Museum, have acquired their artists. Some of their past exhibtions include To Mend Is to Shatter, a solo show of mosaic-like work by Yasmine El Meleegy.
South Africa
Blank Projects (Cape Town, South Africa):
It was founded by Jonathan Garnham in 2005 and transitioned to a commercial gallery in 2012. Representing emerging and established artists, the gallery focuses on concept and abstraction within the African context. With a critically engaged program and art fair presence, Blank shapes Southern Africa’s contemporary art discourse, empowering local visual artists.
Their artists include Igshaan Adams and Kemang Wa Lehulere; with some of their past exhibtions including 10 and Bring Back Lost Love.
Goodman Gallery (Cape Town & Johannesburg, South Africa):
It is a leading contemporary art space known for working with influential artists dedicated to social change. During apartheid, it provided a non-discriminatory platform; and under Liza Essers’ directorship since 2008, the gallery has expanded globally, with a focus on Southern African, broader African, and international artists engaging with the African context.
Some of their artists include Ghada Amer, Candice Breitz and David Goldblatt. Also, their exhibtions include Vibha Galhotra, Climacteric Whispers and Georgina Maxim, Telling Moments.
Stevenson (Cape Town & Johannesburg, South Africa):
Stevenson is a prominent South African contemporary art space that represents artists like Paulo Nazareth, Zanele Muholi, and Jane Alexander. The gallery has curated impactful exhibitions likeThe Street That You’re On, The Same One You Know, and STAGE: Phate lia Lekana.
It generally addresses issues of identity, politics, and history, while engaging in international art fairs, solidifying its place in global contemporary art.
West Africa
Selebe Yoon (Dakar, Senegal):
Founded in 2020, Selebe Yoon is committed to promoting contemporary African art and fostering cross-cultural dialogue. Also, the gallery offers a residency program where both international and local artists are provided with a studio, accommodation, and staff support to further their research.
Additionally, its library, open from 11 AM to 7 PM, offers free access to a wide selection of books on Art History, Curatorial Practice, among others. Some of their artists include multimedia artists Melinda Fourn and Mbaye Diop.
Tiwani Contemporary (Lagos, Nigeria):
Founded in 2011, Tiwani Contemporary represents and exhibits emerging and established artists with a focus on Africa and its diaspora. The gallery is celebrated for its exhibitions and art fair presence, serving as a key platform for African artists. A group exhibition, In the Blood, which highlights perspective in painting is one of their exhibitions. The gallery’s roster also includes artists such as Gareth Nyandoro, Andrew Esiebo, and Joy Labinjo, among others.
