Unique African artists you need to know
Art has over the centuries transitioned from an elite exclusive to a universal language accessible to all who possess the passion and talent.
Since the groundbreaking 1989 exhibition, 'The Magicians of the Earth' which was mainly criticised for introducing the works of 'non-westeners' at the Centre Pompidou, African art has gained widespread recognition and paved the way for a new generation of talented artists to emerge.
Here are 8 extraordinary African artists making a name for themselves with their unique artistic perspectives:
Chéri Samba
Chéri Samba, a luminary in the art scene from the Democratic Republic of Congo, oscillates his life and work between Kinshasha and Paris. Born in 1956, Samba's oeuvre includes iconic works such as "The Draughtsman" (1981), "Condemnation without Trial" (1989), and "Water Problem" (2004). His artistry has been recognised by prestigious institutions like the Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris and the Museum of Modern Art in New York.
Julie Mehretu
Julie Mehretu, an Ethiopian-American artist, has been lauded by the New York Times as a trailblazer among contemporary Black female painters, having secured her place in the annals of art history. Her canvases, layered with a spectrum of colours, reflect the fluidity of the sociopolitical landscape. In 2020, Mehretu was honoured in Time's 100 Most Influential People list.
Hassan Hajjaj
Hassan Hajjaj is a Moroccan artist and photographer who captivates viewers with his vibrant portraits that blur the lines between photography and painting. His work, which won him the 2011 Sovereign Middle East and African Art Prize, invites onlookers into a colourful realm of imagination and artistic wonder. Currently, the artistic creations of Hajjaj are featured in the esteemed collections of institutions such as the Brooklyn Museum, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, London's Victoria and Albert Museum, and the Lazaar Foundation in Tunisia, to name a few.
Ibrahim Mahama
Ibrahim Mahama, an impressive Ghanaian artist, is known for his visual narratives created by piecing together vibrant jute sacks. In 2019, he was the youngest talent showcased at the Ghana Pavilion at the Venice Biennale. His 2015 exhibition "All The World’s Futures," curated by Okwui Enwezor at the 56th International Art Exhibition of the Venice Biennale in Italy, highlighted his innovative approach.
William Kentridge
William Kentridge, the South African genius is revered as a painting master on the African continent. His renowned charcoal drawings impressively depict Africa's echoing history and present. Kentridge is also celebrated for his 90s hand-drawn animated series, which left an indelible mark on the art world.
Wangechi Mutu
Wangechi Mutu, the Kenyan-born artist, has transcended her initial passion for painting to embrace installations, sculpture, collage, and film. Her film "The End of Carrying All" was featured at the Venice Biennale in 2015. Now a New York resident, Mutu's art fiercely addresses the global issue of violence against women.
Njideka Akunyili Crosby
Njideka Akunyili Crosby, originally from Nigeria, relocated to the US in 1999. Her art is deeply infused with Nigerian history and culture, a testament to her heritage. In 2017, she was awarded the prestigious MacArthur Fellowship Genius grant and later created a mural for the Museum of Contemporary Art on Grand Avenue in Los Angeles.
El Anatsui
El Anatsui, the Ghanaian sculptor, gained international acclaim for his ingenious transformation of bottle tops into expansive, luminous installations. His art, which involves stitching together aluminium bottle caps from recyclable drink containers was recently showcased in the "Behind the Red Moon" exhibition at Tate Britain, from October 17, 2023, to April 14, 2024.
