Art_Africa_2016_03_

ARTARTAFRICAAFRICA

FEATURE / THE ARMORY SHOW & VOLTA NY

NEXT WE TAKE MANHATTAN / VALERIE KABOV 1/4

NEXT WE TAKE

MANHATTAN

by Valerie Kabov

Last year saw contemporary art from Africa in the European spotlight and this

year is shaping up to be the one in which it crosses the Atlantic to the USA. This

migration is not all that surprising, in light of speculation that the impressive rise

of contemporary art might have its roots in the USA, through links forged with the

African-American community of artists and collectors, as well as the benefit of the

USA having the largest international art markets and the most dynamic and growing

institutional collections. However, as we know, the trajectory originated along the

former colonial lines.

The past year or so has seen the momentum gaining. 1:54 Contemporary African

Art Fair made a courageous move by launching its first fair on US soil (in Brooklyn),

mirroring the increase of Africa-focused exhibitions to augment the established

programmes of galleries such as Jack Shainman and Skoto Gallery. Notable among

these exhibitions was ‘Look Who is Coming to Dinner,’ curated by Ugochukwu-

Smooth C. Nzewi at Richard Tattinger gallery and ‘Flaunt: Africa New Wave’ at

Ethan Cohen, NY. However, many would argue that it is the recognition and visibility

gained at the established New York art fairs that signal the penny dropping for the

US market.

Aboudia (presented by Ethan Cohen New York, New

York), Enfants de Côte d’Ivoire, 2016.

Mixed-media on canvas, 92.7 x 152.4 cm.