10 African Artists Taking Center Stage in 2024
- Alex A
- Nov 13, 2024
- 3 min read
As the global art scene continues to evolve, African contemporary artists are increasingly stepping into the spotlight, captivating audiences with their innovative works and powerful narratives. In 2024, a diverse group of artists is making waves, showcasing their talents at prominent exhibitions and fairs, and redefining the landscape of contemporary African art. Here, we highlight 10 remarkable artists who are taking center stage this year, celebrating both established figures and emerging talents.
Defining "Taking Center Stage"
In this context, "taking center stage" refers to artists who have gained significant visibility and recognition in 2024 through exhibitions, awards, and critical acclaim. It signifies their ability to influence conversations about identity, culture, and heritage while engaging a global audience. This year has seen a surge in platforms that celebrate African art, allowing these artists to shine brightly.
Njideka Akunyili Crosby
“The Beautyful Ones” Series 1c, 2014
Notable Works: The Beautyful Ones series features intricate mixed-media collages that explore themes of cultural hybridity and personal narrative.
Her work was prominently displayed in "The Time Is Always Now" at the National Portrait Gallery in London, where she engaged audiences with her reflections on identity and diaspora.
Wangechi Mutu
The Seated II, from “The NewOnes, will free Us” (2019)
Notable Works: The NewOnes, will free Us (2019) is a powerful installation that addresses gender and cultural identity through striking visual narratives.
Mutu participated in the Venice Biennale 2024, showcasing her latest works that challenge societal norms and highlight the complexities of womanhood.
Esther Mahlangu
Ndebele Abstract, 2021
Notable Works: Her large-scale murals and geometric paintings celebrate Ndebele culture through vibrant colors and patterns.
In 2024, she unveiled her first public mural in the UK at Serpentine North, emphasizing her commitment to cultural preservation while reaching new audiences.
Eddy Kamuanga Ilunga
Ndebele Abstract, 2021
Notable Works: Eddy Kamuanga Ilunga is known for his large-scale figurative paintings that often features figures with skin resembling electronic circuitry, symbolizing the connection between modern technology and resource exploitation.
His work was highlighted at the October Gallery during the 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair in London, where it sparked important discussions about heritage.
Michael Armitage
Michael Armitage [Credit: Anna Kucera] 
The Accomplice, 2019
Notable Works: "The Promised Land" (2019) blends East African narratives with European artistic traditions
Armitage's work was featured in "The Time is Always Now: Artists Reframe the Black Figure" at the National Portrait Gallery in London, where he explored themes of identity and representation through his unique style
Rita Mawuena Benissan
We Process at Sunrise II, 2024
Notable Works: Benissan's embroidered velvet pieces explore Ghanaian culture with intricate craftsmanship.
She has upcoming solo shows at the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa in November 2024, highlighting her unique artistic vision.
Alimi Adewale
Solitude’s Serenity, 2024
Notable Works: The Terra Matter series showcases expressive tapestries that reflect on humanity's connection to nature.
Adewale's work made waves at the 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair in London, where he gained significant recognition for his innovative use of kilim material.
Layo Bright
by Daniel Greer 
Braided bun with headwrap [Nuur], 2024
Notable Works: Bright’s vibrant pieces interrogate themes of migration, inheritance, and identity through hybrid portraits, textiles, and mixed media.
Layo Bright's artistic prominence soared in 2024 with her first solo museum exhibition, "Dawn and Dusk," at The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum.
Luke Agada
Night Sweats, 2024
Notable Works: His Colonial Ghosts series interrogates African identities within colonial legacies through multimedia installations.
Featured prominently at the 1-54 fair, Agada's work has sparked important conversations about cultural dislocation.
Zanele Muholi
The Sails, Durban 2019
Notable Works: Muholi's "Faces and Phases" series documents and celebrates Black LGBTQIA+ individuals in South Africa, challenging stereotypes and promoting visibility.
Featured at institutions like Tate Modern and SFMOMA, Muholi's work sparks vital conversations about identity and representation in post-apartheid South Africa.
A Celebration of Talent
In 2024, these 10 artists are not just participating in exhibitions; they are shaping conversations about culture, identity, and heritage on a global stage. As they take center stage this year, they remind us of the importance of art as a medium for storytelling and cultural preservation.
As you explore their works, whether through exhibitions or online platforms, take a moment to appreciate the depth of their narratives and the beauty of their creativity. Together, we celebrate this incredible journey of artistic expression that connects us all through shared human experiences.