Until today the concept of African Art was only about ivory masks and wooden sculptures. It was settled in the past: the artist were dead and remained anonymous. Luckily the occidental vision, twisted by years of false pragmatisms, has started to change.
The emergence of African Contemporary Art
The rise of the afro-pop music on world tops (D’banj, Fuse) followed by the media exposure of African actors (Lupita N’yongo, Chiwetel Ejiofor), alerted the art world for what was coming next: the emergence of Contemporary African Art.
When walking around the heart of London, surprisingly, we spotted on the opposite side of the Burlingtion Arcade the Gallery of African Art (GAFRA) in Cork Street, Mayfair. Just like that, African Art becomes an interesting niche, competing with the “big fish”. In a sector that is no exception to the rule, and therefore, mainly run by men, we found Bendu Cooper the Liberian woman in charge of GRAFA. But this example is not the only one.
Tiwani Contemporary, a gallery specialized in Nigerian art, is also run by a woman, Maria Varnana. Is located in Oxford Circus and has the Center for Contemporary Art in Lagos as a partner, also run by another woman, Bisi Silva. It looks like women are the leading force responsible for the growth of African Contemporary Art.
African Artists at the forefront
African Art is alive. From the panels of Victor Ehikhamenor to the metallic sculptures of Sokari Douglas Camp, African Contemporary Art marks a position, leaving behind the association to mere artifacts. Gonçalo Mabunda’s sculptures made by recycling AK47 shows that these artists are not only about the traditional themes and methods. African Contemporary Art quits anonymity. From Africa comes vibrating, emotional and disconcerting art just like any other contemporary art form anywhere in the world.
Buy African Art as soon as possible
The success of Contemporary African Art reveals itself important to the continent. Regardless the social and political instability, African culture is rising.
The era of treasure hunts and lootings of holy tombs has come to an end. African Art moves among the right distribution channels. The African artist is technologically more experienced, managing to create value on their works and earning profits wisely.
