“If something hurtful enters your body, you create something beautiful to protect yourself from it. That’s my philosophy.” – Wangechi Mutu. These poignant words from Wangechi Mutu encapsulate the essence of her artistic journey. Living and working in New York during the early 2000s, Wangechi Mutu faced has…
African art, once confined by stereotypes, now breaks free as contemporary African artists have taken it upon themselves to redefine the narrative. Noteworthy works from the Atlantic Art Fair, Art Basel, and 154 Contemporary Art Fair showcase this transformative shift. Let’s look at the exceptional works of different…
Rita Mawuena Benissan, a Ghanaian-American interdisciplinary artist, is spearheading a movement to reclaim Africa’s historical narratives. Furthermore, she is resolute in countering the distorted perceptions shaped by the Western gaze. In 2020, Benissan founded ‘Si Hene,’ a non-profit foundation dedicated to collecting and preserving archives. These archives narrate…
Julie Mehretu, a world-renowned Ethiopian artist will create the 20th BMW Art Car in collaboration with the Guggenheim Museum. Yes, you heard it right! The announcement was recently made by the German luxury vehicle manufacturer at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York. The news was met…
Belgium announced on Saturday its decision to transfer ownership of illegally acquired Congolese artifacts. This is a significant step towards addressing colonial legacies and rectifying historical injustices. The country aims to return works from the Royal Museum for Central Africa in Tervuren. Thomas Dermine, Belgium’s Secretary of State…
The Africa Center in New York City celebrated Juneteenth by unveiling a groundbreaking art installation called the Black Future Newsstand. This custom-built installation, created in collaboration with the Black Thought Project, aimed to capture a future where reparations and liberation become a reality. Located in Harlem, the Black…
On June 23rd, the Brooklyn Museum hosted an electrifying exhibition, putting African fashion in the spotlight. This groundbreaking event showcased the creativity and talent of African designers like never before. Visitors engaged in a sensory feast as the curtains rise. The Brooklyn Museum, renowned for promoting African art,…
This year’s Liverpool Biennial, titled ‘uMoya: The Sacred Return of Lost Things,’ embarks on a profound journey into the spiritual identity of African-decent individuals. The exhibition while addressing the complexities imposed on Africa by the Western world. It serves as a curator, guiding visitors to delve into the…
Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art presents the first major solo exhibition by British-Ghanaian artist Larry Achiampong. Achiampong’s work in film, sculpture, installation, sound, collage, music, and performance draws on his shared and personal history to address class, gender, and the intersection of popular culture and colonial vestiges. His…
Emmie Nume, a Ugandan artist born in 1999 in Kampala, Uganda, has rapidly made his mark in the art world. From March to June 2021, he resided as an artist at Silhouette Projects under Afriart Gallery. This ignited his artistic expression and propelled it into its own distinct…
Vacationing in Africa and want to explore the vibrant art scenes of Cape Town, Zanzibar, Morocco, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Malawi? Look no further! Art News Africa has curated a list of must-visit art events and galleries in these captivating destinations. Capetown Let’s start our artistic journey in Cape…
Joana Choumali will be showcasing her work at the 20th edition of the La Gacily Photo Festival. The La Gacilly Photo Festival, founded in 2004, offers an immersive experience with contemporary photography. Photographs grace the streets, gardens, and alleys of La Gacilly, France, complementing the town’s remarkable heritage.…
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…
Street art, the intentional alteration of infrastructure for artwork, has evolved into a potent form of creative expression. It challenges established norms, shapes artistic discourse, and carries a rich history. Recent developments in modern-day street art, coupled with Africa’s unique contributions, have reshaped the artistic landscape. In examining…
Journalist Afua Hirsch kicked off the highly anticipated Africa Rising on BBC on June 13th. This groundbreaking show is a celebration and exploration of the vibrant and diverse creativity found across the African continent. With its premiere episode, Africa Rising captivated audiences with a captivating focus on Nigeria,…
For years, Zurich Art Weekend has been a favorite stop for collectors, curators, and critics heading to Art Basel. This year’s event, held in 2018, marked the formalization of this tradition. The vibrant gallery scene of Zurich comes alive this weekend, with approximately 60 galleries, museums, and alternative…
Visual artist Sarfo Emmanuel uses color to convey the tales and aspirations of young people in his community. Sarfo, who studied visual arts and graduated from high school in 2019, obtained his first phone from his sister. He began taking and editing images of his family and friends…
Just as the name sounds, The Ever- Present Exhibition aims to show how African artworks and styles have impacted modern styles. The exhibition Ever-Present unites the works of six contemporary African artists. It offering a captivating and thought-provoking exploration of the diverse landscapes and thematic intersections of African…
It’s pride month!!! Even though in this beautiful land of African, citizens are not as accepting as in other Westernized countries. Africa has tried as much to be inclusive as far as LGBTQIA rights are concerned. Artists continue to challenge our perceptions of both male and female black…