Reports

Victoria Ndubuisi’s distinctive approach to painting captures attention in a remarkable way. In her ongoing solo exhibition titled "Ọmụgwo," she employs a unique marbling technique for the backgrounds of her artworks, created through the dynamic act of performance.

The upcoming Aichi Triennale 2025, set from September 13 to November 30 in Japan, promises a reformative global dialogue on contemporary art. Under the evocative theme A Time Between Ashes and Roses—a nod to Adonis’s 1970 poem—the festival goes beyond mere traditional national narratives, inviting diverse perspectives that reimagine our connection to time, nature, and society. Among the 60 selected artists, a powerful contingent from Africa brings distinct voices and innovative practices to the international stage. Here’s a closer look at five remarkable African artists featured in this year's Triennale.

Art Basel has unveiled the lineup for its 2025 edition in Basel, Switzerland, set to take place from June 19–22, with preview days on June 17–18. The fair, widely regarded as a bellwether for the global art market, will host 291 galleries, including major blue-chip establishments and an expanded focus on ultra-contemporary art through a newly introduced section—Premiere.

Art Basel has unveiled its latest initiative—the Art Basel Awards—a groundbreaking recognition platform set to spotlight artists, curators, and influential figures who shape the global art landscape. This ambitious program underscores Art Basel’s growing commitment to acknowledging excellence and fostering innovation across artistic disciplines.

At a time when conversations about diversity, representation, and identity are more important than ever, Bozar’s latest exhibition When We See Us offers a powerful exploration into how we perceive ourselves and others.

Curated by Osei Bonsu, curator of international art at Tate Modern, and Cale Garrido, guest curator at the C/O Berlin Foundation, A World in Common presents twenty-three African and African diaspora artists from different generations and geographical contexts - with works by Kelani Abass, Atong Atem, Malala Andrialavidrazana, Edson Chagas, Kudzanai Chiurai, Rotimi Fani-Kayode, Maïmouna Guerresi, Hassan Hajjaj, Délio Jasse, Julianknxx, Samson Kambalu, Kiripi Katembo, Lebohang Kganye, Mário Macilau, Sabelo Mlangeni, Santu Mofokeng, Fabrice Monteiro, Aïda Muluneh, Wura-Natasha Ogunji, George Osodi, Dawit L. Petros, Zina Saro-Wiwa, and Khadija Saye.

The British-Nigerian artist and designer Yinka Ilori has transformed Sotheby’s café on New Bond Street with his distinctive style, infusing the space with vibrant adire motifs, bold symbols, and colorful furnishings. The installation, titled "Pride is Within My Story," runs until October 31, and celebrates the diverse talents that have made London their home while highlighting the city's inclusive artistic community.

An African art collection is once again set for auction after its owner, Sam Njunuri, filed for bankruptcy earlier this year. The collection, comprising over 1,000 pieces including sculptures and monuments, has been at the centre of a legal dispute dating back to 2015.

O’DA Art is pleased to present, Walk like a Champion, Abe Odedina’s first solo exhibition in Lagos, Nigeria. This new body of work is a testament to this special gathering and the thrilling opportunity to finally exhibit in Nigeria again and most importantly, to make a show for his Mother ahead of the centenary of her birth. Its title, that Odedina attests, ‘is not about swagger. It’s not about strutting around. It’s about what you think a champion is? It’s about being undeniably true to yourself. When we say “walk”, it’s in a more important sense than one foot in front of the other. It’s how you go through life. It’s the Big Walk.’

First major UK solo exhibition of new and recent works by Lagos-based artist Nengi Omuku, exploring her profound relationship with the natural world.

Opening on 9th Ocotober, 2023, ‘PORTRAITS FOR ENGLISH TO SEE’, presents six new works that are part of René Tavares’ most recent and iconic painting series – “Portraits for English to See” and “Cotton People Reloaded”.

Art on the Underground, London, United Kingdom is set to present an exciting seminal performative work, Declaration of Independence, featuring multifaceted London-based artist, educator, and researcher, Barby Asante. This newly commissioned iteration will take place at Stratford Tube station on Sunday 17 September 2023.

Art Basel Hong Kong, will welcome a new participant this year: Retro Africa, a contemporary art gallery based in Abuja, Nigeria. This will be the gallery's first appearance at the prestigious fair, where it will present a solo show by Nigerian-American artist Victor Ehikhamenor.

The EMOWAA (Edo Museum of West African Art) Trust has announced the appointments of two distinguished art pioneers to strengthen its focus on modern and contemporary art. Professor Chika Okeke-Agulu, a Nigerian art historian and professor at Princeton University and Oxford University, will serve as Senior Advisor, Modern and Contemporary Art. Aindrea Emelife, a Nigerian-British curator and Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, will be the new Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art.

What does it mean to be green in a world that has been shaped by colonialism and capitalism? How can we rethink our relationship with nature and each other in the face of ecological crisis and social injustice? How can we reclaim and celebrate the diverse and sustainable ways of living that have been erased or marginalized by the dominant narratives of progress and development?

'El Anatsui is responsible for some of the most unique and unforgettable sculptures in recent times and we are delighted that he will tackle the Turbine Hall this autumn for the annual Hyundai Commission,' said Frances Morris, Director of Tate Modern.

In a time where diversity and inclusion are becoming more important in the art world, the exhibition, In the Black Fantastic, is a timely and impactful exhibition that spotlights Black African Contemporary artists. Curated by Ghanaian-British Writer & Curator, Ekow Eshun, the exhibition was initially held at the Hayward Gallery in London where thousands of spectators flocked to view the work in its entirety. As a result , the exhibition has now been reopened at the Kunsthal Museum in the Netherlands.