The Archive is where ideas are given space. Through writing, artist profiles and cultural reflection, we document the histories and practices shaping contemporary African art.
Contemporary art is at a peak, and African artists are playing a huge part in that. A new generation is emerging — more experimental, cross-disciplinary, and working with a freedom that feels distinct from what came before. Their African identity is present in their work, but it is not the whole story. What they are building is worth paying attention to. These are five names we think you should know.
Leandro Mbomio Nsue, often called “The Black Picasso,” was a groundbreaking sculptor from Equatorial Guinea whose work merged Bantu identity with European technique. Trained in Spain and connected to figures like Salvador Dalí, Mbomio used his art to explore themes of power, memory, and African pride.
La Sapologie is more than bold suits and bright colours; it’s a culture where style becomes a living art form. Born from a colonial past, the Sapeurs turned European dress codes into something personal and powerful. From Brazzaville to Kinshasa, they continually reinvent what luxury means, blending designer pieces with local touches. This is a style of pride, resistance, and a reminder that fashion can rewrite history.
Ghanaian artist Cornelius Annor Jr. (b. 1990) creates portraits that feel like memory. In a space where African art is often expected to be loud or political, Annor offers something more intimate. This piece explores his background, visual language, and the significance of his perspective today.
This year’s 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair in New York brought together some of the most exciting artists from Africa and the diaspora. From bold paintings to textured installations, here are a few of my favorite pieces and moments from the fair.
Before African photography had a spotlight, these artists were already building the archive. Studio shots, street scenes, soft moments. This is a look at the ones who shaped the way West Africa saw itself.
A look at how contemporary African art builds on tradition to reflect identity, culture, and modern life across Bantu and West African regions.