African Art Now: 50 Pioneers Defining African Art for the Twenty-First Century

by Osei Bonsu

This deluxe hardcover survey, featuring profiles of 50 artists on the rise, is the definitive guide to contemporary African art.

With African artists attracting sizable audience numbers to museums, setting sky-high auction records, and appearing in mainstream press, it has become impossible to overlook the cultural significance of contemporary African art today. Author and curator Osei Bonsu's engaging profiles of leading African artists—along with gorgeous full-color reproductions of their work—introduce readers to a generation of movers and shakers whose innovative artwork reflects on Africa as both an idea and an experience. Using diverse forms, languages, and expressions to articulate what it means to be a part of the world, these artists generate alternate histories and imaginative futures—work that is both personal and political, universal and incredibly specific. Their work helps define contemporary African art as a vast artistic and cultural movement.

STELLAR ROSTER OF Amoako Boafo, Njideka Akunyili Crosby, Tunji Adeniyi-Jones, Bronwyn Katz—from household names to up-and-coming artists, African Art Now features some of the most exciting artists working today.  
IMPORTANT AND Over the past two decades, contemporary African art has become part of the global mainstream, inspiring countless exhibitions, fairs, and auctions around the world. And yet, African art remains overlooked as an area of dedicated study due to continued academic and cultural bias. This book shines a spotlight on the artists whose wide-ranging accomplishments represent the shifting dynamics and boundless possibilities of African art today. 

Perfect

Genres: Art, Coffee Table Books, Nonfiction

240 pages, Hardcover

Published October 18, 2022

Reviews

[Daisy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to be able to view an exhibition that featured some really splendid works from modern and contemporary African photographers and visual artists during my recent trip. While I was mesmerized , intrigued and impressed by all of their works, I also realized that I knew precious little about the art scene/ art history of Africa. I intended to fix that and came across this wonderful book on contemporary African artists.

( the artists from the exhibition whose works that I really loved: Seydou Keita, Roger Da Silva, Philippe Koudjina and Fabrice Monteiro.)

The introduction of the book offers a brief overview of the history and cultural background of the contemporary African art as well as its major themes, which I find very useful.
The major themes are summarized as : Shifting Identities, Reclaiming History, Postcolonial Dystopias, The Family Portrait and Future Ecologies.
The body of the book surveys 50 artists who emerged in the decade between 2010 and 2020 (“a period of widespread critical and commercial change in the field of contemporary African art.”), which includes biographical introductions of the artists,summaries of their artistic styles and themes, a breakdown of their major works ( most of which are included or partially included in the book) and quotes that reflect that their artistic attitudes ( one of my favourite aspects of this book).
A few of the artists cited books as their inspiration, which I will have to read later (eg , Orientalism by Edward W. Said; The Beautyful Ones Are Not Yet Born by by Ayi Kwei Armah )

I enjoyed this book very much and was moved and enlightened by many of the art works included.
I highly recommend this to art lovers.

[Emmy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Chronicle Books for the Advanced Reader Copy!

As an active practicing artist and art educator, I absolutely fell in love with this book. I will admit that there was an absolute absence of artists in the African diaspora within my own knowledge. Thus, it was a joy to read this book and learn about so many amazing artists. Prior to reading this book, I was only really aware of Njideka Akunyili Crosby, Toyin Ojih Odutola, and Elias Sime. "African Art Now" has not only taught me more about the said artists but also introduced me to an abundance of other fantastic artists. I particularly really loved learning about Dawit L. Petros, Zohra Opoku, Gabrielle Goliath, and Nidhal Chamekh. I will certainly be following these artists, and I'm eager to see what art they produce next!
The book overall was well organized and easy to navigate and read. The text is undeniably so approachable and easy to digest regardless of how involved or not involved you are in the art world.
I'm excited for this book to be published and to share this with my students and colleagues! I'm definitely going to order a copy for myself and my classroom. I can see myself going back to this book over and over again to gain inspiration and just admire the lovely art inside of it. It will surely become a staple in my art book collection.

[Book Minded Mag · Rating 5 out of 5]

See my review on Book Minded Mag.

African Art Now

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

All the work is stunning.

Most of these 50 selected artists show a unique style and/or content. Some work is derivative from traditional African art, but most is something all together new.

Showcasing 50 artists limits space for each individual so you only get a sampling. There can be only space of one or two angles of an installation and not much room for close ups, for instance to show detail or texture.

Nevertheless, what you can see is unique and impressive and makes you want to see and know more.

Many of these artists work in different media. A number of them work in film. I don’t know if this media breadth is world wide trend for contemporary artists or something pertaining specifically to the today’s African art.

In the introductory text author an curator, Osei Bonsu, notes the growth in interest in contemporary African art. It is now included in museums, galleries, auctions and fairs. Bonsu cites exhibitions in the US (Smithsonian) , UK, Latin America and Tokyo and says that both Bonham and Sotheby now have sales teams dedicated to promoting contemporary African art.

Given the economic realities most African art events take place outside of Africa. A good number of the artists featured here were born in Africa but live and work in the US or Europe.

The book is well put together by Chronicle Books of San Francisco. They use high quality glossy paper with excellent color photos. There is just enough text to inform you about the artist and the work without distraction.

This book shows incredible creativity pouring out of Africa. It you are interested in African style, another book that will impress you is Africa: The Fashion Continent.

[April Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well put together presentation of contemporary African art. The text is conversational and approachable, which is always appreciated in books with the potential to be stuffy and overly academic! A must for any art lover's library!

[Ivy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pretty great artists sparkling inside and I want more.

[August Lawson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to net galley for allowing me to read an advanced copy

This book has such beautiful art in it. I love being able to read the stories about the artists and how they came into their craft. I think it's a perfect book for anyone who has an appreciation for art or African culture.