Beyond the Gallery: 7 Experiential Spaces to Deepen your Appreciation for Contemporary African Art
experience contemporary African art like never before
Let us for a second, skip the hushed reverence of galleries, museums, and the price tags that whisper exclusivity.
Imagine yourself caught amidst the infectious energy of a bustling marketplace, haggling with a grinning vendor over a batik fabric that explodes with colour and cultural symbolism.
Or picture yourself entranced by a live performance art piece unfolding in a sun-drenched courtyard, where movement and music interweave to tell ancient tales.
This is where the heart of contemporary African art beats. Contemporary African art is not meant to be a silent observer in a white cube. It is a pulsating conversation waiting to erupt, a kaleidoscope of stories yearning to be shared.
Across the continent, in vibrant studios, bustling marketplaces, and even unexpected corners, artistic expression spills beyond the confines of conventional spaces. African art is reclaiming its streets, its communities, and its very essence.
Does this new wave of experiencing art then signify the end of galleries and exhibitions? Of course not! This is only part of the movement to promote and support contemporary art across African cities. To make it more inclusive and accessible for all, especially in the communities from which it stems.
The question begs; what other spaces could serve as avenues for one to deepen their appreciation of contemporary African art?
In this digest, we will discuss seven(7) alternative spaces where contemporary African Art can be appreciated in various African cities.
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7 Alternative Spaces for Contemporary African Art Appreciation
1. Local arts and craft markets
There exists a whimsical feeling about the African open-air marketplace experience. From beneath the watchful gaze of the sun, you will find your local arts and craft markets awakened. Price haggling transpires, as musical as a swarm of buzzing bees. The vibrant chaos of street hawkers and shop owners beckoning passersby to stop by and check out their goods for sale. The unsolicited stories that are shared and created in such exchanges are life-defining.
One can expect to see intricate hand-carved masks imbued with ancestral forms, to textiles woven with community narratives…each handcrafted piece pulsates with cultural significance.
The infectious energy and the sheer volume of visual delights might leave you wanting to take home the entire market! Such experiences are burned in one's memory, sometimes, for a lifetime.
2. The Open-Air Canvas
Street art is experienced on murals, lamp posts, bridges, open (un)allocated spaces, and anything at all that is blank and waiting to be impressed. Street artists reclaim rural and urban spaces to impress upon and install art that sparks social dialogue.
Contemporary African art is transforming cityscapes into open-air museums. Wander through graffiti-laden alleyways in Dakar, marvel at the thought-provoking murals adorning the Fela Kuti Shrine in Lagos, or get lost in the vibrant storytelling splashed across the walls of Nairobi's Kibera neighbourhood. The streets become your gallery, the city your curator, and every corner an artistic revelation.
3. The Communal Courtyard
In the heart of many African communities, courtyards are constantly being transformed into vibrant stages for artistic expression. You may be fortunate to witness the rhythmic stomping of a traditional dance performance, feel the hypnotic energy of a drumming circle, or be captivated by the mesmerising skills often displayed by amateur basketball players in local basketball courtyards.
On these art stages, art is not just a view, it is a participation, a shared experience that engages the performers and their audience. Be prepared to move your feet, clap your hands, and let the communal spirit wash over you.
4. The Nomadic Narrative
Artists are known to be defiant. Some have ditched the static museum displays and embarked on a journey with nomadic art collectives. What does this mean? Imagine following a group of artists as they travel from village to village, using recycled materials and local narratives to create thought-provoking installations that celebrate diverse cultural voices. What you will witness is the transformation of everyday objects into powerful commentaries, to experience art as a dynamic dialogue between man and his community and their ever-evolving stories.
Pssssssst!
Did you notice that we have a brand new logo and branding for Art Index Africa? Yes, indeed we do. It's taken a hot minute to get here but we are glad and are very happy with our new branding.
Wherever you see this logo going forward, know that this represents us. Fancy it? Don’t care much about it? Let us know what you think about it in the comment section below.
5. The Digital Diaspora
Explore the burgeoning world of African digital art. From Afrofuturist animations that reimagine the continent's past exploring if Africa was left alone, and uncolonised (Wakanda Forever sounds familiar?), to Virtual Reality experiences that transport you into the heart of a futuristic bustling market that’s still very much African. Technology is fast becoming a canvas for artistic expression.
Technology enhances interactive installations, enabling art lovers to explore online galleries showcasing digital masterpieces and connect with a global community of digital artists pushing the boundaries of artistic exploration.
6. The Collaborative Canvas
In community centres and workshops across the continent, art becomes a tool for empowerment and social change. To immerse yourself in such experiences, you may choose to join collaborative art projects that tackle pressing issues like gender equality or environmental sustainability. You will be able to witness the raw power of collective creativity, where individual voices unite to paint murals that demand change, craft sculptures that spark dialogue, and use art as a catalyst for social transformation.
One way you can collaborate on a social change canvas is by being our guest in the coming March 2024 edition of small & Iconic. Why? This particular edition is held annually with a core focus on celebrating the vibrancy, resilience, and wonder of African women. This March 2024 edition features female artists from Francophone Africa. tackling feminine issues and subject matters that are inspired by own, shared, and heard experiences.
7. The Unexpected Encounters
Keep your eyes peeled, for art can lurk in the most unexpected corners. From repurposed objects transformed into whimsical sculptures adorning a roadside cafe to impromptu dance performances erupting in a bustling park, African art thrives on surprise. Embrace the serendipity of everyday encounters, let the rhythm of a street musician draw you in, or be mesmerised by the impromptu fashion show unfolding on a busy street corner. The beauty lies in the unexpected, the art in the everyday.
Did we tickle your fancy?
These are just a few of the many alternative spaces where contemporary African art thrives. Remember that the journey of appreciating African art is not confined to a single space or experience. It is an ongoing exploration, a constant dialogue between you, the art, and the vibrant community that nourishes it. Therefore, step outside the traditional boundaries, embrace the unexpected, and let your passion ignite in the dazzling tapestry of alternative spaces that await.
The continent's artistic soul is waiting to be discovered, one brushstroke, one beat, one conver-art-sation at a time.
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Until our next digest,
continue to explore and enjoy contemporary African art in alternative spaces around you.
Thank you for this!