7 Predictions for 2024 by Art Index Africa's Jury
regional powerhouses • audacious challenges • redefined experiences
2024 is in full swing and as one might guess, everyone is hopeful for a better year across all industries. If they didn’t get a chance to do so before the end of last year, most companies are spending the first few weeks setting goals and predicting what the future holds.
What should we anticipate will happen in the art world in 2024? What trends should art lovers like you and I be on the lookout for this year? Could this be the year where we see African art go beyond borders to dominate on the global stage?
Perhaps. Perhaps. Perhaps.
As you ponder on these things, here’s something to keep close to heart: 2024 will be a year where the canvas of the global art scene gets a vibrant splash of African hues.
In this digest, we will be highlighting some key trends to look out for in the African art world.
7 Art Index Africa Predictions in 2024
1. Emergence of regional powerhouses
While global recognition is a stimulating prospect, we predict African art will bloom within the continent. Hubs like Johannesburg, Dakar, Nairobi, and Lagos are poised to become vibrant exchange platforms. Imagine a South African performance artist captivating a Lagos audience, or a Kenyan sculptor's work adorning a museum in Dakar. This intra-African synergy could foster a robust market, nurturing talent, and amplifying voices before they reach the global stage.
2. Genre diversification
Stepping away from the traditional canvas, 2024 might witness a dazzling explosion of diversity in African art. Digital art, with its boundless potential for innovation and social commentary, is poised to break through. Ghanaian digital artist, Efua Oyele, with her mesmerising projections that blend Afrofuturism and ancestral traditions, might join forces with South African VR artist, Sibonginile Mkhabela, whose immersive experiences transport viewers into the heart of township life. Performance art, often rooted in ritual and community engagement, might gain wider recognition.
Zimbabwean artist, Zanele Muholi, whose poignant self-portraits challenge societal norms around gender and sexuality, could spark dialogues alongside Ivorian artist, Frédéric Bruly Bouabré, whose enigmatic performances celebrate the power of storytelling.
3. Economic and technological tailwinds
The winds of change are blowing through the continent. Increased internet penetration is opening up new avenues for artists to showcase their work and connect with buyers. Online platforms like yours truly, AfriArt and Nubian Slide are democratising access, while mobile banking is making art acquisition more accessible than ever. Furthermore, economic stability in some African countries is fostering a burgeoning collector class, eager to invest in their own artistic heritage.
4. Rising stars audaciously questioning status quo
Keep your eyes peeled for young talents like Senegalese photographer Omar Victor Diop, whose portraits capture the essence of contemporary African life, or South African ceramicist Zanele Muholi, whose work challenges gender norms with bold and unapologetic beauty.
5. Redefining narratives
Masters like El Anatsui and Wangechi Mutu will continue to challenge the Western canon, paving the way for young voices like Kenyan painter Michael Soi and Ivorian photographer Joana Choum. Their fresh perspectives and diverse experiences will shape the future of African art, enriching the global conversation.
6. Sustainable practices and ethical considerations
Environmental consciousness will take centre stage, with artists like Ghanaian sculptor Francis Ndzohane, who upcycles discarded materials, leading the charge. Ethical considerations regarding cultural appropriation and artist compensation will also be at the forefront of discussions, shaping a more responsible and equitable art market.
7. Reimagining the Museum experience
We predict that traditional museums might adapt to the changing landscape, incorporating interactive elements and digital technologies. Collaborative projects between established institutions and local communities would foster cultural exchange and broaden accessibility.
But it's not all smooth sailing. The debate about cultural appropriation rages on, with questions being raised about Western collectors and galleries profiting from African art forms. And the ethical considerations of NFTs, with their potential for commodification and exploitation, are sure to spark heated discussions.
2024 will be a pivotal year for African art. A year where the continent's vibrant artworks spill beyond borders and blossoms on a global stage. From the rise of regional hubs fostering cross-pollination to the explosion of genre diversity, the art world promises a feast for the senses.
As established masters pave the way for new voices, the narratives surrounding African art will continue to evolve, challenging conventions and enriching the global conversation. Whether 2024 marks the definitive tipping point remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the African art world pulsates with audacity, innovation, and a profound sense of identity.