African Contemporary Art Insights | Afrikanizm

African Contemporary Art Moves from the Margins to the Mainstage

In recent years, Africa’s art world has moved decisively from the margins to the center of global conversation. With a rapidly growing network of artists, fairs, galleries, and institutions—and a new wave of socially engaged creatives—this moment increasingly affirms what many call the African century in art.

Expanding Platforms: From Lagos to Cape Town

One of the clearest signals of this cultural ascendence is the exponential growth of African art fairs. When the Joburg Art Fair launched in 2008, it featured only 22 galleries. By 2024, the Investec Cape Town Art Fair hosted over 120 exhibitors. In West Africa, ART X Lagos has become a vital hub for contemporary African expression, forging connections between artists and global collectors.

Curatorial Leadership on the Global Stage

Key figures are also rising in institutional leadership. Koyo Kouoh, the dynamic director of Zeitz MOCAA in Cape Town, has been named curator of the 2026 Venice Biennale—a pivotal appointment that repositions African perspectives at the heart of global art discourse.

Women Artists Break Records

The art market is taking notice. In 2024, Julie Mehretu set a record with a $5.8 million sale at Christie’s, joining the ranks of the world’s most valued living artists. It’s a clear indicator of changing market dynamics and the growing demand for stories and aesthetics that have long been undervalued.

New Institutions, New Infrastructures

Across the continent, new museums, residencies, and creative spaces are reshaping the future of cultural production. Institutions like MOWAA in Benin City and RAW Material Company in Dakar signal a long-term investment in infrastructure and intellectual agency for African voices.