In recent years, Africa’s art world has shifted from the margins to the centre of global conversation. With a flourishing network of artists, galleries, fairs, and institutions, and the emergence of a bold, socially engaged generation, the notion that this might be the African century in art no longer feels speculative — it feels inevitable.

One of the clearest signs of this shift is the growth of African art fairs. In 2008, the inaugural Joburg Art Fair featured just 22 galleries. Fast forward to 2024, and the Investec Cape Town Art Fair hosted over 120 exhibitors. In West Africa, ART X Lagos has become a vital platform for showcasing contemporary African creativity and connecting artists with international markets.

African leadership is also rising within the curatorial space. Koyo Kouoh, director of the Zeitz MOCAA in Cape Town, has been appointed curator of the 2026 Venice Biennale — one of the most prestigious roles in the global art world. Her curatorial practice represents a powerful African voice in shaping international art discourse.

Meanwhile, the market is responding. African women artists, in particular, are setting records. In 2024, Julie Mehretu’s painting sold for $5.8 million at Christie’s, placing her among the most valued living artists globally. This reflects both increasing demand and a broader shift in whose stories and aesthetics are being elevated.

On the institutional front, the soon-to-open Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) in Benin City, Nigeria is a game-changer. Scheduled for completion in 2025, the museum will include conservation labs, performance spaces, and storage designed for the repatriation and care of African artefacts — a symbol of cultural sovereignty and long-overdue infrastructural investment.

Artists like Ken Nwadiogbu embody the new era of African expression. His hyperrealistic portraits explore identity, protest, and diaspora — blending traditional techniques with contemporary narratives, and challenging expectations of what African art can be.

Africa’s art ecosystem is vibrant, layered, and self-defined. With each exhibition, museum, and artist rising into the spotlight, the continent continues to reshape global culture — not as a trend, but as a force.

Sources:

• The Art Newspaper – A buoyant art scene and an exciting new generation of artists mean this could be the African century (April 2025)

• The Guardian – African women artists lead art market sales in 2024

• The Guardian – Nigeria to open state-of-the-art Museum of West African Art

• Wikipedia – Ken Nwadiogbu