When people think of African art, they often picture a mask, a carving, or something described as “tribal.”
These traditional forms are deeply important , they’re the foundation of centuries of creativity and cultural expression. But they don’t tell the whole story.
Contemporary African art builds on these traditions and continues them in new ways. Today’s artists are creating work that reflects modern life, personal identity, spirituality, politics, and the global African experience. Through painting, sculpture, photography, installation, and more, they’re shaping a dynamic and ever-evolving landscape.
This isn’t about replacing or updating African art, it’s about recognizing that African art has always evolved. The past is the root. What we see now is the branch.
Contemporary African art is about the present moment. It’s about artists using their mediums to reflect on who they are, where they come from, and where they’re going. Not just to celebrate culture, but to explore it, to ask questions, tell stories, and offer new perspectives.
From Lagos to Douala, Accra to Malabo, artists across the continent and the diaspora are in conversation with each other and the world. Their work is layered, intentional, and alive. It’s rooted in culture, shaped by history, and open to the future.
This is contemporary African art, and it continues to expand what art can be.
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.