CONTEMPORARY ART MOVEMENT IN AFRICA
Unlike their counterparts in Europe and the U.S., African artists have been largely ignored by global art historians. This is changing, however; contemporary African art has gained international recognition in recent years due to its focus on social issues such as poverty and inequality as well as other more personal developments like identity-based artistry. While European artists are still considered the most important artistic voices in Africa today, there are many other noteworthy figures who are making their mark on the continent's artistic landscape. Contemporary art in Africa is a growing movement. African artists have been able to use their artwork to make a name for themselves, and many are now being recognized as leaders in the international art world.
African contemporary art often focuses on social commentary, based on personal experience and observations of the world around them. In this way, it can be seen as an extension of traditional African storytelling traditions that have existed since time immemorial. One way that contemporary African artists are able to express themselves is through their work as an artist. Another way they can express themselves is through activism and social change.
There are a number of African artists who have been able to use their artwork to make a name for themselves. El Anatsui is one such artist, and his work has been exhibited all over the world. William Kentridge is another who has used his art to gain recognition, as well as Yinka Shonibare MBE and Kudzanai Chiurai – both of whom have been awarded honors by Queen Elizabeth II. Njideka Akunyili Crosby is another young artist making waves in her native continent; she received an Academy Award nomination in 2011 for her work on "How to Get Away with Murder.''
Contemporary African artists are reshaping the art world and bringing attention to important issues across the continent. African artists are breaking into the mainstream, creating artwork that is unique to their culture and using it to make a name for themselves. This can be seen in works created by contemporary painter Ato Bolden, who was born in Senegal but now lives and works as an artist in New York City. His paintings focus on topics such as migration, race relations and identity; they also reflect his own personal experiences as a black man living in America during this time period (he was born in 1973).
