Art Basel, Paris Photo, Venice Biennale 2024: Africa’s Resurgence at Global Art Fairs and Its Impact on the Contemporary Art Market - MAYÌ INSIGHTS

The final quarter of the year and the art season have been characterized by a blend of market uncertainties and renewed optimism about the outlook for contemporary art in the coming months. One noteworthy trend is the intentional expansion of African contemporary art into new territories, including global art fairs like Paris Photo and Art Basel. MAYÌ ARTS explores what this shift means for artists, gallerists, and key stakeholders as they navigate this evolving landscape of African Contemporary Arts.

Galleries Stevenson and MAGNIN-A exhibiting at Paris Photo 2024, November 2024.

1.Beyond Borders: A Global Expansion

African Contemporary Art, often seen as niche, is evolving toward a broader global presence. With increasing maturity, key players in the sector—artists, galleries, and collectors—are making significant inroads into major international events like Art Basel and Paris Photo. This growing prominence reflects not only a diversification of tastes but also heightened curiosity about the artistic richness emerging from Africa and its diasporas. For gallerists, it is the opportunity to integrate lesser represented artists to introduce to their existing collectors or drive new crowds  while artists from these lesser represented artists can diversify their type of representation. Good exemple is Ethan COHEN representing the likes of established Ai WEIWEI, Yayoi KUSAMA alongside Catheris MONDOMBO (DRC) at MIAMI ART FAIR (3-8 December)

2. The Importance of Building Intercultural Bridges to Foster Creative Dialogue

Intercultural dialogue has become essential for expanding knowledge, enriching creative practices, and overcoming geographical barriers. This was particularly evident during the latest edition of Paris Photo, where galleries such as MAGNIN-A and Galerie 193 showcased works by J.D. OKHAI OJEIKERE and Thandiwe MURIU in tandem with Joana CHOUMALI. Notably, CHOUMALI was also featured in a solo show by LOFT ART Gallery which garnered additional attention. These examples underscore the necessity of intertwining artistic worlds—not merely as a crossover—but as an integral part of the global art circuit. At the same time, specialised art fairs like AKAA and 1-54 will remain highly relevant as central platforms fostering art from Africa and sustaining open dialogue with the continent. Continental events such as Art X Lagos and the Dakar Biennale are likely to continue solidifying their influence and cement their position, while we can anticipate from smaller fairs like the Lubumbashi Biennale the potential for further growth.

Left to Right : Southern Guild Design Miami, Afikaris, Untitled, Rele Gallery Art Basel, Gallery 193, Paris Photo.

“At the same time, specialised art fairs like AKAA and 1-54 will remain highly relevant as central platforms fostering art from Africa and sustaining open dialogue with the continent. Continental events such as Art X Lagos and the Dakar Biennale are likely to continue solidifying their influence and cement their position, while we can anticipate from smaller fairs like the Lubumbashi Biennale the potential for further growth.”  - MAYÌ INSIGHTS about the future of specialised fairs

3.‘Exiting the Temple’ of African Contemporary Art

Art fairs are increasingly becoming strategic venues for discovering new and emerging artists, with a clear preference among high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) for these events (55%) over galleries (40%) (Sokoloff + Associates). Alongside this shift, there has been a noted decline in interest in high-value works, with a greater focus on acquiring a larger number of mid-range pieces at fairs. This trend aligns with a generational transfer of wealth that is currently underway and is expected to intensify over the next 10-15 years. Younger collectors, particularly those from Generation Z, are more inclined to prioritize emerging artists, thereby creating new opportunities for lesser-known or underrepresented artists, including those from Africa and other less-exposed regions. This shift is also accompanied by a renewal of aesthetic and political concerns within the art world, with certain mediums regaining prominence.

4. A Diversification of Curatorial practices : Sharper and Bolder Choices

As the market evolves, crious and collectors increasingly seek distinctive and groundbreaking works. The rising visibility of African and diasporic talents, coupled with the desacralisation of access to arts and a diversified collector base, is driving this shift. With 55% of Gen Z HNWIs planning to focus on emerging artists in the coming year (Art Basel x UBS study), one can predict that more emerging African artists will join their established peers on the international stage. This trend underscores a deeper exploration of transnational narratives and innovative practices. This is reflected in the performance the Ultra-Contemporary category for African-born artists which has been the biggest driver of sales for the region between 2020 and 2022 with sales of Ultra-Contemporary works by African-born artists jumping to $40.6 million from $16.2 million year over year. (Artnet Arts Intelligence Report)

5. The Power of Collaboration

This year at galleries Afriart (Kampala) and Rele (Lagos) are teaming up, showing on a joint booth at Art Basel, demonstrating the strength of cultural and intercontinental exchange. By showcasing artists from diverse African regions such as Uganda, Kenya, and Botswana, this collaboration also emphasise a plurality of expressions and stories while creating more opportunities for both artists and art dealers to explore curation in a different way. The growing presence of artists from African countries at global art fairs provides unique perspectives on their communities, carving out a distinct space on the international stage. These artists often break away from traditional Western materials, creating works deeply rooted in their local environments, offering fresh insights and alternative narratives driving novelty in the contemporary landscape. 

Conclusion

The rise of African Contemporary Art on the international fair circuit marks a cultural and economic turning point. By building bridges between cultures, adapting to a shifting market, and spotlighting emerging talent, this movement is only beginning. One thing is clear: African art is redefining the contours of the contemporary art market, transcending geographical and symbolic borders.

Once a niche category, African Contemporary Art now acts as a catalyst for a more inclusive, dynamic, and forward-looking art market. With growing collector demand, particularly from younger generations, and bolder curatorial initiatives, African art is reshaping the sector’s aesthetic and economic codes. The galleries, artists, and collectors driving this process are not just building a market but crafting a global narrative where Africa takes center stage.