In our bi-weekly newsletter, Omenai Insider, we focused on artists who caught our attention. Our focus was on artists of African origin living on the continent and in the diaspora. The artists, both emerging and established, on this list were chosen based on their practice and the impact that they
In our bi-weekly newsletter, Omenai Insider, we focused on artists who caught our attention. Our focus was on artists of African origin living on the continent and in the diaspora. The artists, both emerging and established, on this list were chosen based on their practice and the impact that they
Tshepiso Moropa’s collages employ a range of archival imagery and materials to create visual dialogues about the past and present tense of black people, the African diaspora and historical archives. With an educational background in Psychology, Linguistics and Research, Moropa’s artistic journey has been marked by a deep passion for
As the year comes to an end, we are excited to share six essential African art books published in 2024 that explore Africa’s artistic and cultural consciousness.
Mathilde Mujanayi, Ahmed Khirelsid, and Lindokuhle Sobekwa are three contemporary photographers whose ongoing projects represent the time of great unrest in their home countries. These projects are personal reflections of the photographers’ realities in their countries of origin, as they record physical, emotional, and psychological tragedies relying on memory. Lindokuhle
In the last nine years, Art X Lagos has expanded to become the leading international art fair in West Africa. Every year, the fair becomes even more intentional in its format, curation, and audience-engaging programs as they acknowledge the dire economic situation in Nigeria. For its return this year, Art
And so it begins! Amidst a dire economic crisis, a barely functioning Lagos has been roused just in time for its annual burst of artistic energy. From the just concluded Lagos Fashion Week, regarded as Africa’s largest fashion event, to the African International Film Festival (AFRIFF) and Art X Lagos,
A CV is just as important in the art sector as it is in any other field. Just as a regular CV is a living document that highlights skills, work experience, and other professional accomplishments, an artist’s CV will highlight artistic skills, previous exhibitions, and career achievements. Artists are often
In a typical African home, family photographs adorn the wall of the living room. These family portraits depict close family members and autobiographical accounts. It is a representation of the relationship between the current and past occupants of the home. From celebrating family members to preserving shared memories, documenting our
With the advent of technology, contemporary art takes new forms of expression and experimentation. Sound art is a diverse art medium that directs the listener’s attention to spaces typically inaccessible to the ears. Sound can be sourced from everyday noises, musical instruments, and human voices. Artists have been exploring the
Aisha Aliyu-Bima’s mission is to present a tour of Northern Nigeria in Arewa?, an exhibition exploring the contemporary art and practice of artists from Nigeria’s northern region. This exhibition challenges the underrepresentation of Northern Nigerian artists in the Nigerian art scene and beyond. “This underrepresentation and lack of visibility has
Musa Ganiyy is imitating everyday life, a sketch at a time, as he visually journals his personal experiences in his work. His works are visual documentation of human interaction with their environment. Through his use of varied artistic mediums, Ganiyy’s observations show how seemingly mundane issues can be linked to
Exploring African spirituality, communalism, and human connection, Kwaku Owusu is known for his use of hand sign language in his work. Kwaku Owusu (b. 1991) is an emerging artist based in Accra, Ghana. In a classic Surrealist manner, he explores the conscious and subconscious realms by presenting both physical and
In Cherry Aribisala’s paintings, Black subjects can simply be. Often portrayed in tender and intimate colors, the artist is familiar with her subjects like she is with the back of her own hand. Having perfected the use of bold colors and cheerful compositions, the ambiguous nature of Aribisala’s works centers
The 2024 Venice Biennale is still on! This year’s edition of the Venice Biennale marks the largest-ever participation by African countries in its 129-year history. Compared to the number of African national pavilions presented in 2022, which was only 9 in number, 13 African countries presented official National pavilions this
A professional portfolio, as described by Sotheby’s, is a curated collection of work that displays the skills, knowledge, and growth in the practice of an artist or curator over time. A well-curated portfolio is an important tool for many art professionals, from artists to art writers, art curators, gallery managers,
In the reimagination of the African identity, artists are creating new worlds that intertwine with history and the fantastical visions of the future. Afrofutrism is a way for artists to explore new ideas and philosophies using elements of art, science, philosophy, and mixed media to promote experimentation and collaboration across
Displaying a profound sense of rootedness and connectivity, Senegalese artist Aliou Diack is drawing up the multiple connections between his art and the earth. His practice invites viewers to ponder the subtle threads that bind humanity to the natural world and illuminates the profound symbiosis that defines our existence. Diack’s
Focusing on Black diaspora art, Sabo Kpade is pushing the boundaries of contemporary art by creating immersive experiences that challenge traditional boundaries and start thought-provoking conversations. Inspired by Okwui Enwezor’s work as a thinker and curator, Kpade’s multifaceted approach in his curatorial practice is rooted in collaboration and intellectual inquiry.
In the last 3-4 years, more collectors and investors of African art have started galleries dedicated to contemporary African art on the continent and in the diaspora. This is an important move for the art market as it is a way to invest in African artists and promote them in
Orry Shenjobi’s multi-layered exploration of the importance of community is an immersive one as she delves into the stories of people from diverse communities.
With over two decades of carving and sculpting, the late contemporary artist Reuben Ugbine explored the human body, using wood, terracotta, and metal railings. He was as dexterous in his manifestation and translation of human experiences in his sculptures as he was a master storyteller. Reuben Ugbine (1956 – 2021)
Artists are always on the lookout for new ways to explore new ideas and perspectives or fine-tune their craftsmanship and art residencies provide the best opportunities to achieve some of their artistic goals.
Beyond the aesthetic of beauty and the exploration of reuse and transformation, Yaw Owusu is an artist experimenting with ideas and objects, as well as form and space. In his continued investigations of value, his work often manifests as sculptural objects, painted objects, installations, and social engagements.
In Lebohang Kangye’s multiple explorations of memory and history, she moves from a literal translation of her familial and interpersonal history using sculptural, performative, theatrical, and moving images to a more conceptual approach as she experiments with dimensionality.
African artists are elevating their artistic practices as they experiment with their narratives, mediums, and materials. At Omenai, we are spotlighting these three African artists whose current explorations you should look out for.
There are certain factors involved in the proper care of art pieces, and it is the responsibility of a collector to understand the historical importance and aesthetic appeal of the works in their collection and then value them.
Participating in art competitions is an excellent way to grow as an artist and advance in your art career. Art competitions They can help an emerging artist in many ways, from gaining visibility in the art industry to getting into exhibitions and building confidence in yourself and your practice.
Okaro’s work is a vibrant tapestry of portraiture, fine art, documentary, and fashion photography. Her captivating images, influenced by love, melancholy, and black beauty, feature black women and men in vivid, culturally infused portraits.
Musician Alicia Keys and Kasseem Dean, producer and D.J. popularly known as Swizz Beatz, are leading collectors of Black art in America. From the Ansel Adams photograph which Beatz got with proceeds from his first records with DMX, to the Dean’s most recent recorded acquisition, a 2018 Derrick Adams painting,
Despite this year’s economic uncertainty spread worldwide, more African artists set new records in sales at fairs and auctions. There was expansion in the African art scene as more galleries opened up new spaces in different locations across the world in addition to the emergence of new galleries. As we
In Ejiro Fenegal’s work, women are portrayed as powerful symbols of strength and beauty, delving into the complexities of the human condition which ensnares the mind characterized by fear, doubt, and hate.
Being an artist and building a sustainable art career are distinct challenges that artists seldom face in the art industry. However, this does not mean it is impossible to build a successful art career, especially for artists of African descent.
Printmaking is an art medium that encourages inclusivity and accessibility within the art world. Artists have always experimented with printmaking for the sake of creating fresh and exciting pieces.
From the just concluded Art X Lagos, one of the largest art festivals in West Africa, to the African International Film Festival (AFRIFF), an annual film festival that happens in Nigeria, and the ongoing Lagos Photo Festival, there are a host of exciting shows for art and culture enthusiasts.
The curatorial practices and research in contemporary and modern African art have seen a notable improvement in recent years. Through the democratization of the art market and fostering a more collaborative point of view, curators are shaping and influencing the future of contemporary African art.
The role of art exhibitions transcends aesthetics and economics. Exhibitions are important to connect artists with their audiences, start dialogues, and even make art sales. They can also call attention to what mindfulness and inclusivity can look like in a progressing world.
To commemorate Nigeria’s 63rd independence anniversary, we at Omenai are spotlighting some Nigerian artists who are making waves in 2023.
In this photo essay, we highlight five works by African female artists living and working in the diaspora. Featuring art by some of the artists whose work has had an impression on me over the years, there are also commentaries on the selected works from their most current body of
The co-founders of Bwo Gallery, Brice and Noelle, spoke with Omenai about the need to support artists on the continent, building a space to promote dialogues between Cameroon and the rest of the world, as well as their roles as advocates for Cameroon in the international art market scene through
For ages, florals have served as an inspiration to artists, evoking themes of beauty, growth, and cultural symbolism. From the vibrantly expressive sunflowers of Vincent van Gogh, the flower paintings of Georgia O’Keeffe, Andy Warhol’s flowers series, the rendering of Jeff Koons monstrously cute puppy installations, and the playful multicolour
Working across multiple mediums, Ibrahim Bamidele draws inspiration from his immediate surroundings, personal experiences, and cultural perception. His paintings are primarily figurative, with elements of abstraction and realism.
Guided by the 2022 global art market analysis from Art Basel and UBS, here is a breakdown of some of this year’s major happenings in the art market in relation to African artists.
From making doodles on the wall to crafting art with cardboard as a child, Obatuyi’s practice is a laborious one.
Mirroring their philosophical, sociopolitical, and spiritual connections to their home countries, African artists have long reshaped the fashion industry through wearable art.
Olasunkanmi Akomolehin sat down with Omenai to have a conversation about what inspires his art, the wonder that goes into his practice, and the emotions he conveys in his work.
There is a growing interest in the appreciation and collection of African art, locally and globally. Collectors from all over the world are increasingly looking to add African art to their collections for this reason.
Regardless of the brewing questions of direction, the first and most important thing to do in a gallery is to look at the art.
Against the backdrop of persistent violence against queer and BIPOC communities, it is important to celebrate queer joy with fierceness and newness. More than just a keen observer of their immediate (and physical) world, South African-based artist Mercy Thokozane Minah creates work that is insistent and persistent about tenderness.
The artwork ‘Portrait of an elegant lady’ is all about perspective. It is a portrait of a dark-skinned woman caught in pleasure. Only the artist truly knows her history. Like everyone living in the public eye, we are allowed our speculations.
In her portrayal of the female body, Mobolaji Ogunrosoye has perfected her manipulation of photography and collage. Through her process of distorting the photographs of her subjects, the Nigerian conceptual artist investigates her ideas of perception.
With a focus on African art, democratising the art world means levelling the barriers that have made it difficult for African artists to make a career while working on their craft, and acknowledging the need for an equitable and diverse art market.
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