Michelle Okpare

"Michelle Okpare’s work merges memory, emotion, and materiality to explore contemporary African identity and womanhood. She transforms crepe paper, acrylic, and recycled lace into textured, vibrant compositions that challenge beauty standards and reflect personal and societal experiences. Her pieces balance imagination and reality, creating expressive, layered narratives that speak to mental health, cultural identity, and the complexities of human emotion."

MEET

Michelle Okpare

Michelle Okpare (b. 1996, Nigeria) is a visual artist raised between Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire. Her expressionist mixed-media practice—using crepe paper, acrylic, and recycled lace—draws on childhood memories to explore identity, mental health, and gender in contemporary African society.

She has exhibited internationally and been featured in outlets such as Vanity Fair Italia and Sunday Times South Africa, with work documented on Google Arts & Culture. Okpare lives and works in Lagos, Nigeria.

FROM OUR BLOGUE

Bridging Continents: Dubai's New Gallery Showcases African Art in the Gulf

Dubai's vibrant art scene welcomes a new addition dedicated to African contemporary art. This gallery aims to bridge cultural gaps, offering a platform for African artists to engage with Middle Eastern audiences and beyond.

Paris Noir: Illuminating Black Artistic Resistance in Postwar Paris

"Paris Noir" at the Centre Pompidou presents over 300 works by 150 artists of African descent, exploring the intersection of art and anti-colonial resistance in Paris between 1950 and 2000. The exhibition sheds light on the overlooked narratives of Black artists who shaped modern art movements while confronting colonial legacies.

Beyond Price: Understanding the Value of Contemporary African Art

The growing global interest in African contemporary art reflects a complex process of valuation that involves cultural legitimacy, institutional presence, and artistic integrity. Understanding its value requires seeing it not just as a market commodity, but as a cultural and political force.

Met Gala 2025: The Global Celebration of Black Style through African Art Influences

With the theme Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, the 2025 Met Gala spotlighted Black dandyism as both fashion and resistance. From Afro-inspired silhouettes to rich African textiles, the event highlighted the profound influence of African aesthetics in contemporary fashion and cultural storytelling.

Koyo Kouoh (1967–2025): A Visionary Curator Who Redefined Contemporary African Art

Koyo Kouoh (1967–2025) was a pioneering force in contemporary African art. As founder of RAW Material Company and director of Zeitz MOCAA, she championed African voices, redefined curatorial practices, and became the first African woman appointed to curate the Venice Biennale. Her legacy continues to shape the global art world.

Afro Renaissance: A Celebration of African Identity, Memory and Future in Luanda

Afro Renaissance, a collaborative exhibition by Afrikanizm Art and Face Studio, brought together a diverse group of contemporary African artists in Angola to explore the reimagining of African identity and heritage through bold, multidisciplinary works. Curated by Alexandra Martins, the exhibition was supported by a wide range of institutional partners and sponsors committed to cultural development on the continent.

Reading the Moment: Current Trends in the African Art Market

From record-breaking auction sales to a surge in international exhibitions and institutional partnerships, the African art market is experiencing transformative growth. Driven by younger collectors, cross-continental collaborations, and strong diaspora engagement, African art is not only gaining visibility — it's reshaping the global art conversation.

Romulo de Santa Rita and Fidelidade Angola Honour Indigenous Women in ‘Brands With Art’ Collaboration

Fidelidade Angola celebrates its expansion into 18 provinces through a meaningful partnership with contemporary artist Romulo de Santa Rita. His collection Mulheres Indígenas pays tribute to the strength and identity of Angola’s indigenous women, combining nostalgic aesthetics with a call for cultural justice and recognition.

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