The influence of classical and contemporary African art has played a significant role in shaping modern art as we know it today. The contemporary African art scene is home to a group of artists who continue to showcase Africa’s position as the motherland of modern and contemporary art. These artists participated in a mentorship program at the Africa No Filter workshop earlier this year, cementing their status as African giants in the contemporary art scene. Their works are characterized by their vibrant use of color, integration of technology, and a strong influence from classical African art.
O’Plérou Grebet – The Creator of West African Culture Emojis
If you’re living in today’s world, chances are you’ve used an emoji or two. The first emoji ever created can be traced back to ancient Egyptian art, or hieroglyphic script, which serves as the basis for modern-day emojis. Ivorian graphic designer O’Plérou Grebet designed the West African culture emojis found on our phones, earning him a spot on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list in 2018.
Grebet’s goal was to showcase Ivorian culture and put it on the map by designing and posting his creations on Instagram. His hard work paid off, earning him 2,000 followers per day. Today, his emojis are widely used on messaging apps such as WhatsApp Messenger and iMessage, and his Ivorian emojis can be found on his app, Zouzoukwa. Grebet is taking back what rightfully belongs to Africa.
Haneefa Adam – The Bon Artist Who Redefines Contemporary African Art
Haneefa Adam Google doodle submission celebrating Jollof Rice, November 2022
Nigerian bon artist Haneefa Adam uses unconventional materials, such as food, to redefine what contemporary African art is all about. African identity incorporates food as a significant aspect, and people still use it to represent cultural differences today. Haneefa embraces this diversity when creating her pieces, showcasing the rich and varied culture present in Africa.
Mahoutondji Kinmagbo – The Afrofuturist Visual Artist
Afrofuturism is a medium that encompasses various forms of art, as long as it centers around African and Black history, culture, literature, fiction, and technology.
Tondji is a self-taught visual artist who uses technology as his medium. He’s currently working on a 3D animated film centered around a teenage girl living in a world where creativity is a way of life. He pushes the boundaries of what’s known as digital art and creates a body of Afrofuturistic work, as demonstrated by his artwork
Image courtesy of instagram:Tondji 2023
These artists are just a few examples of those consistently redefining contemporary African art today. Many young artists are breaking barriers and reclaiming their rightful place in the African renaissance
