Unveiling the Best of Contemporary African Art at Art Dubai Fair's Dedicated Booths
Art Dubai 2023, the Middle East’s leading international art fair, has once again brought together a diverse range of contemporary artworks from the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia, and beyond. The fair themed "Predicting the Present," which is being held from March 3-5 at Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, is showcasing over 400 international artists from 40 countries, making it one of the most international art fairs in the world.
Art Dubai's mission is to bring together artists, curators, technologists, and thinkers from around the world to explore and engage with contemporary art practices. The fair has become a major catalyst in the local, regional, and international conversations on art from the Middle East and surrounding regions since its establishment in 2007.
Courtesy of Art Dubai
This year's edition of Art Dubai features a strong focus on contemporary African art, with galleries such as Efie Gallery, Kó Art Space, Gallery 1957, and Kristin Hjellegjerde showcasing African artists in various Booths.
Here are some highlights from these galleries:
1. Efie Gallery | Booth C16:
Efie Gallery is a contemporary art gallery in Dubai that specialises in the representation and advancement of artists of African origin, both from the African continent and its global diaspora. At Booth C16, they are presenting an exhibition that spans two generations of contemporary African art, featuring works by El Anatsui, Njideka Akunyili Crosby, Ibrahim Mahama, Amoako Boafo and Kwesi Botchway. These artists explore themes such as identity, history, culture and materiality through various mediums such as painting, sculpture and installation.
Installation Shot Isshaq Ismail: Beyond the Fence Begins the Sky | Courtesy of Efie Gallery
2. Kó Art Space | Booth A11:
Kó Art Space is an art gallery based in Lagos, Nigeria, that is dedicated to promoting modern and contemporary art . It hosts exhibitions, workshops and events for artists and art lovers. At Booth A11, they are showcasing works by Ben Enwonwu, Bruce Onobrakpeya, Chike Obeagu, Dipo Doherty and Victor Ehikhamenor. These artists represent different generations and styles of Nigerian art, from modern masters to emerging talents.
Installation shot of kó at Art Dubai 2023 booth | Courtesy of kó
3. Gallery 1957 | Booth A7:
Gallery 1957 is a leading contemporary art gallery based in Accra, Ghana, that focuses on supporting artists from West Africa and its diaspora. It has two exhibition spaces in Accra that host a programme of exhibitions, installations and performances by local and international artists. At Booth A7, they are displaying works by Serge Attukwei Clottey, Godfried Donkor, Modupeola Fadugba, Yaw Owusu and Zohra Opoku. These artists explore issues such as identity politics, social justice, environmental activism and cultural heritage through various forms of expression such as collage, painting, sculpture and textile.
4. Kristin Hjellegjerde | Booth B5:
Kristin Hjellegjerde is a contemporary art gallery with locations in London (UK), Berlin (Germany) and Nevlunghavn (Norway) that showcases cutting-edge art by emerging and established international artists. It has a diverse roster of artists from different backgrounds and disciplines who challenge conventional perceptions of contemporary art. At Booth B5, they are exhibiting works by Dawit Abebe, Abdoulaye Konaté, Gonçalo Mabunda, Ndidi Emefiele and Ephrem Solomon. These artists use materials such as paper collage, textile appliqué, recycled weapons and mixed media to create artworks that reflect on social, political and cultural issues affecting their respective contexts.
