African art news

Here are some recent news and updates on African art:

Exhibitions

  1. "Sensations: 20th-Century African Art" at the National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution, Washington D.C. (until September 2023) - This exhibition showcases 20th-century African art from the museum's collection, featuring works by artists such as Ben Enwonwu, Yusuf Grillo, and El Anatsui.
  2. "African Art: The First 50 Years" at the Museum of Modern Art, New York (until January 2024) - This exhibition celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Museum of Modern Art's African art collection, featuring works by artists such as Mbari artists, Ibrahim El-Salahi, and Julie Mehretu.
  3. "The Art of Africa" at the British Museum, London (until March 2024) - This exhibition explores the diversity of African art, featuring over 200 objects from the British Museum's collection, including works by artists such as Yinka Shonibare and Njideka Akunyili Crosby.

Awards and Recognition

  1. Njideka Akunyili Crosby wins the 2022 Hugo Boss Prize - The Nigerian-American artist was awarded the prestigious prize for her work, which explores themes of identity, culture, and belonging.
  2. Yinka Shonibare MBE appointed as the new Chancellor of the University of the Arts London - The British-Nigerian artist and sculptor was appointed as the new Chancellor of the university, succeeding Sir Ian McKellen.
  3. Zanele Muholi wins the 2022 Prince Claus Award - The South African photographer and visual activist was awarded the prize for her work, which focuses on the lives and experiences of black South Africans, particularly LGBTQ+ individuals.

Market and Sales

  1. African art sales reach record highs at Christie's and Sotheby's - The two auction houses reported record sales of African art in 2022, with works by artists such as El Anatsui and Yinka Shonibare selling for millions of dollars.
  2. Nigerian artist, Ben Enwonwu's "Anyidoho" sells for $1.4 million at auction - The painting, which dates back to the 1960s, was sold at a Christie's auction in London, setting a new record for the artist.
  3. South African artist, William Kentridge's "Untitled (Felix in Exile)" sells for $2.2 million at auction - The painting, which dates back to the 1980s, was sold at a Sotheby's auction in New York, setting a new record for the artist.

Other News

  1. The African Art Museum in Dakar, Senegal, opens its new building - The museum, which is dedicated to the art and culture of West Africa, has opened its new building, featuring a collection of over 10,000 objects.
  2. The National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C. acquires a major collection of African art - The gallery has acquired a collection of over 1,000 objects, featuring works by artists from across Africa, including Nigeria, Ghana, and South Africa.
  3. The African Art Initiative launches a new program to support African artists - The initiative, which is supported by the Ford Foundation, will provide grants and mentorship to African artists, with a focus on promoting diversity and inclusion in the art world.

These are just a few examples of the many exciting developments in the world of African art. I hope you find this information helpful!