From Frieze to 1-54—Works to Buy from Contemporary African Artists
Collaged cowboys, portraits of monarchs and miners, and inspiring textile art—this is just a taste of the vibrant work by contemporary African artists working today.
As you explore the great art on view during Spring Fairs Week, don’t miss their works at fairs across New York City. From 1-54 in Red Hook to Frieze on Randall’s Island—collect fresh art by Yinka Shonibare, George Osodi, Lawrence Lemaoana, and more.
To buy any of these works below, you can click on the image to contact the gallery directly.
Frieze New York
Yinka Shonibare MBE
Shonibare’s colorful, patterned style is instantly recognizable—and you can visit his 23-foot-tall wind sculpture in Central Park after the fairs.
£2,500–5,000
1-54 CONTEMPORARY AFRICAN ART FAIR
George Osodi
The celebrated photojournalist has investigated a wide variety of subjects, from the culture of Nigerian monarchs to the working conditions of Ghanaian gold miners.
£4,000–16,000
1-54 CONTEMPORARY AFRICAN ART FAIR
Taiye Idahor
With a collage aesthetic, the Nigerian artist layers braided newsprint with intricate colored pencil drawings to explore her female and African identities.
Contact for Price
Frieze New York
William Kentridge
The multidisciplinary South African artist is celebrated for his set designs, including his recent production of Wozzeck at the Metropolitan Opera.
Contact for Price
1-54 CONTEMPORARY AFRICAN ART fair
Uthman Wahaab
In his Victorian Lagos series, Wahaab features African men and women sitting in traditionally Western poses—and each holding paper with the inscription “OMINIRA” (freedom, in Yoruba) in their hands.
Contact for Price
1-54 CONTEMPORARY AFRICAN ART FAIR
Ambroise Ngaimoko
Featured in Foundation Cartier’s Beauté Congo, Ngaimoko is known for his youthful portraits filled with extravagant props and costumes.
€1,000–2,500
Frieze New York
Misheck Masamvu
Masamvu’s expressive paintings almost always evoke the human figure—and his gestural compositions were shown at the Zimbabwe Pavilion at the 54th International Venice Biennale.
Contact for Price
1-54 CONTEMPORARY AFRICAN ART FAIR
Lawrence Lemaoana
Lemaoana employs Kanga fabric for his text-based textiles, choosing the medium for its historic role in trade imbalances from East to South Africa.
$9,800
