What does proximity mean to you? How does proximity impact different subjects in different environments? Well, the show at Bode Gallery features three African artists showing a deeper examination of proximity. Titled: So Close, Yet So Far, the exhibition examines how we engage with the expressive personas of…
In the realm of great artists, names like da Vinci, Van Gogh, and Picasso stand tall. Yet, amidst them shines Esther Mahlangu—a powerhouse of vibrant creativity. She was born on November 11, 1935, in the heart of South Africa’s Ndebele nation. Mahlangu embodies contemporary African art in its…
In a groundbreaking move, the Chrysler Museum in Norfolk, Virginia, recently repatriated a Bakor monolith to the Nigerian government. This marks the first successful return of such an artifact. The Bakor monoliths, known as “akwanshi,” are stone sculptures that symbolize ancient Nigerian ancestors. They hold spiritual significance in…
Africa’s art market has changed drastically over the years. More and more individuals are considering the path of creativity as their artistic career in the continent. Artists today explore diverse mediums and styles, that showcase the impact of globalization on the art industry. Africa’s growing presence in the…
Asake, a Nigerian artist sensation recently featured an artwork by contemporary Nigerian artist, Ayanfe Olarinde on his album cover. The Artwork, titled ‘Jean-Michel Basquiat’ features the portrait of the legend Basquiat. The portrait is characterized by a large unorthodox image of the legend, referencing Asake’s personality. World of…
The Africa Center, London, has appointed Olu Alake as its new CEO. Having served at the Peel Institute as the CEO and worked with Beyond profit organizations, his expertise will drive fruitful conversations on the cultural preservation of African Art in the UK. He expressed his excitement and…
Yusuff Aina’s recent exhibition at Retroafrica in collaboration with Art Twenty One is a true spectacle. Color for so many reasons influences how we feel, how we think, and how we engage and interact with the world. The use of color is specifically important to artists to evoke…
The Museum Of Fine Arts, Houston is proud to present the acclaimed exhibition William Kentridge: ‘In Praise of Shadows’ from June 25–September 10, 2023. The exhibition surveys 35 years in the career of the celebrated South African artist. With more than 80 works, spanning various mediums, Kentridge’s exploration…
Namibia just signed a recent bill to impose a tax on digital assets, cryptocurrencies, and virtual asset service providers (VASPs) in the country. This is a significant move proposed by the African Union on the budding and growing African industry. The rise of platforms in Namibia such as…
The recent hiring of Amanda Maples, as the curator of African Art at the New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA) has ignited a debate about diversity and representation in the art world. Many people have voiced their concerns about a non-Black individual’s ability to understand and relate to…
Black Rock Senegal has announced the 2023-2024 participants for the fourth year of its residency program. Launched by renowned artist Kehinde Wiley in 2019, Black Rock Senegal seeks to support new artistic creation through collaborative exchange and to incite change in the global discourse about Africa. For the…
The Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) is currently showcasing a retrospective exhibition titled: ‘James Barnor, – Accra/London’. The exhibition showcases the remarkable work of Ghanaian photographer James Barnor over the last six decades. Barnor started as a portrait artist and, over time, began incorporating different mediums into his…
Afroprophetic: Art transforming minds and Nature was an exhibition that captivated audiences in early June. Curated by Arete Arts Foundation, the event took place in the vibrant city of London. Christie’s, presented this thought-provoking showcase, to explore the profound connection between art, the environment, and the human mind.…
Linda Dounia is a self-taught artist, designer, and curator from Senegal who has been exploring the use of AI in her work since before its recent surge in popularity within the art world. Her artistic practice is an exploration of the social construction of power and the cultural…
“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…