Africa is a continent that boasts some of the world-renowned artists in different niches. From Nigeria, Mozambique, South Africa, Kenya, Ghana to the Democratic Republic of Congo, there are plenty of artists who have become popular around the globe. While some use local textiles in their works, others use instruments of death while others use recycled materials which have put them in the list of famous artists from Africa. Each one of them brings out a masterpiece that is sought after by numerous galleries. Contemporary artists in Africa are becoming more and more creative. 

In the last two decades, African art had been demeaned but this is no longer the case as the artists prove their mastery. The west no longer sees lack of exposure in African art. Peju Alatise of Nigeria, Aboudia Abdoulaye Diarrassouba of Ivory Coast, Nnenna Okore of Nigeria and Gonçalo Mabunda of Mozambique are just some of the contemporary African artists. 

Peju Alatise, Nigeria

Seeking inspiration from the likes of Susanna Wenger and David Dale among others, Peju Alatise is a Nigerian artist born in 1975. Focusing on sculptures and paintings, Peju believes that the most important thing is for Africans to value their own art. In the 57th edition of Venice Biennale, Peju was one of the three Nigerian artists to ever appear at the exhibition.

Goncalo Mabunda, Mozambique

Born in the year 1975 in Mozambique, Goncalo Mabunda is one of the famous artists in Africa. The acclaimed sculptor creates his work from instruments of death such as rocket launchers, helmets, AK-47s, tanks, land mines and even soldiers’ boots. According to Mabunda, the objects of beauty that he creates represent everyone who happened to die from the same decommissioned weapons and military equipment. His work has become popular across the globe.

Lionel Smit, South Africa

Born to a sculptor father, Lionel Smit drew inspiration from his father something that has seen him taking up his place in some of the renowned African artists. His medium is sculpture, painting, and print. His main goal is to continue making art.

Nnenna Okore, Nigeria

Nema Okore was born in the year 1975 and although she was born in Australia, she is one of the most famous artists from Africa. Using textural materials to create abstract sculpture, she is highly influenced by death, aging, and decay. Simply, her inspiration comes from natural events. She uses papers, old ropes, and sticks saying that she loves what her masterpieces turns out after two years.

El Anatsui, Ghana

Man's Cloth by El Anatsui

When you talk about African art, you can never forget El Anatsui from Ghana. Born in the year 1944, Anatsui considers himself a community artist since his materials and other resources come from the community. His great works are made from recycled materials. His signature material is bottle-top and his works have not only made his famous but have won him several awards. He was awarded the Golden Lion Lifetime Achievement at the Venice Biennale in the year 2015.