(1966) Photograph: Sory Sanlé

L'Archiviste is a curated platform dedicated to contemporary African art.
We archive, preserve, and present works that challenge narrow perceptions and reframe how African creativity is seen globally

I created L'Archiviste out of both frustration and pride.
Growing up surrounded by African culture, it's beauty, it's depth, it's power - I often saw it misunderstood or reduced in global spaces. The word "tribal" was thrown around casually, and our art was rarely taken seriously in the fine art world.

While studying design, curation and art, I began imagining something more intentional. I saw powerful, refined work coming from Bantu and West African artists. Creators who weren't making to sell, but to express. Their stories weren't being archived.
So I decided to create the space for it.

L'Archiviste exists to spotlight contemporary African voices. To build bridges between artists, collectors, insistitutions, and future generations. It's more than a gallery, it's a platform for preservation, discovery, and cultural authorship.

--- Arelis Nguema Maye
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