9 African Curators Shaping The African Art Scene

9 African Curators Shaping The African Art Scene

In recent years, the global art scene has seen an increasing recognition of African and diasporic voices, thanks in large part to the visionary work of contemporary curators. These curators are not only redefining the narratives of modern and contemporary art but also dismantling the historical dominance of Western-centric perspectives. Their efforts have expanded the visibility of African artists on the global stage, highlighted marginalized voices, and created vital platforms for underrepresented communities. Whether through curating international exhibitions, leading prestigious institutions, or writing critically about art, these curators—such as Aindrea Emelife, Azu Nwagbogu, and Koyo Kouoh—are at the forefront of an important cultural shift. This article highlights nine such curators who are shaping the future of art, bringing diverse perspectives to the center of global conversations, and ensuring that African and diasporic artists have a permanent place in art history.

Portrait of Aindrea Emelife

1. Aindrea Emelife

Aindrea Emelife, a Nigerian-British curator and art historian, is known for her thoughtful approach to modern and contemporary art. Emelife’s work focuses on postcolonial histories in Africa, transnationalism, and the politics of representation. Currently serving as Curator, Modern and Contemporary at MOWAA (Museum of West African Art), her upcoming role as curator of the Nigeria Pavilion at the Venice Biennale 2024 underscores her growing influence.

Educated at The Courtauld Institute of Art, Emelife has curated internationally acclaimed exhibitions such as BLACK VENUS, a survey of the legacy of Black women in visual culture. This exhibition, which debuted at Fotografiska NY and toured the U.S. and UK, positioned Emelife as a key figure in representing the Black female experience. Her book, A Brief History of Protest Art, released by Tate in 2022, further demonstrates her academic rigor and commitment to exploring art as a form of resistance. Emelife’s work on the Mayor of London’s Commission for Diversity in the Public Realm also reflects her focus on redefining public art and representation.

Portrait of Azu Nwagbogu 

2. Azu Nwagbogu 

Azu Nwagbogu, a Nigerian curator, has made significant contributions to the visibility of African artists through his innovative platforms, including the African Artists’ Foundation and the LagosPhoto Festival, Nigeria’s first and only international photography festival. Known for his interdisciplinary approach, Nwagbogu focuses on contemporary African art and the African diaspora. His influence has been recognized internationally, as he has been named “Curator of the Year” by the Royal Photographic Society and listed in ArtReview’s “100 most powerful people in the art world” for three consecutive years.

Through Art Base Africa, Nwagbogu has provided an invaluable virtual space to explore African artistic narratives. His curatorial vision has reached global audiences, and his forthcoming curation of Benin’s inaugural pavilion at the Venice Biennale 2024 marks another milestone in his career. Nwagbogu’s work often grapples with the themes of identity, migration, and colonialism, and his efforts have been pivotal in showcasing African perspectives on a world stage.

Portrait of Bonaventure Soh Bejeng Ndikung 

3. Bonaventure Soh Bejeng Ndikung 

Bonaventure Soh Bejeng Ndikung, a Cameroonian-born curator and scholar, has been a driving force in redefining contemporary art spaces. Ndikung founded SAVVY Contemporary in Berlin, a platform that bridges Western and non-Western perspectives. His work interrogates the power dynamics within art, seeking to dismantle colonial frameworks. From 2015 to 2018, Ndikung served as a curator at Galerie Wedding, where he continued to explore these ideas through exhibitions that questioned Western-centric narratives.

Ndikung’s curatorial efforts include documenta 14, where he was Curator at Large, and the 58th Venice Biennale’s Finnish Pavilion. His role as artistic director of the Bamako Encounters biennale for African photography has further solidified his reputation as a curator deeply invested in African art. His professorships at Städelschule and the Weißensee Academy of Art underscore his influence on the next generation of curators. In 2023, he became the Director of Haus der Kulturen der Welt, a move that positions him to continue challenging the status quo in global contemporary art.

Portrait of EKow Eshun

4. Ekow Eshun

Ghanaian-British curator Ekow Eshun’s work bridges the worlds of art, literature, and journalism. His tenure as Artistic and Executive Director of the Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA) in London saw a 38% rise in visitors and cemented his role as a leading figure in British art. Eshun’s writings often explore identity, race, and African diaspora, exemplified in his memoir Black Gold of the Sun, nominated for the Orwell Prize.

Eshun’s curatorial achievements include Made You Look: Dandyism and Black Masculinity, an exhibition that explored the intersection of fashion, gender, and identity within Black culture. His work on the Fourth Plinth Commissioning Group, one of London’s most important public art initiatives, has given him a platform to influence how the city represents itself to the world. As an editor and writer, Eshun’s contributions to The GuardianThe Face, and The Observer have made him a pivotal voice in both the art and cultural sectors.

Portrait of Koyo Kouoh

5. Koyo Kouoh 

Koyo Kouoh is one of the most influential African curators of her generation. As the Executive Director and Chief Curator of Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA), she oversees one of the continent’s largest contemporary art institutions. Kouoh’s career began in Dakar, where she founded RAW Material Company, an artist residency and exhibition space. RAW quickly became a vital hub for contemporary art in West Africa.

Kouoh has curated numerous high-profile exhibitions, including Documenta 12 and 13, and the biennial EVA International in Ireland, where she explored postcolonial themes. Since taking the helm at Zeitz MOCAA, Kouoh has expanded the museum’s curatorial team and introduced solo retrospectives for artists like Tracey Rose and Johannes Phokela. Her curatorial style emphasizes deep, narrative-driven exhibitions that explore African identities and postcolonialism. Kouoh’s focus on solo retrospectives reflects her commitment to telling artists’ stories with depth and nuance.

Portrait of Marie-Ann Yemsi 

6. Marie-Ann Yemsi 

Marie-Ann Yemsi is a German-Cameroonian curator whose career has been defined by her commitment to promoting African artists globally. Yemsi’s upbringing across Europe and Africa gave her a unique perspective, which she brings to her curatorial work. One of her breakthrough exhibitions, Odyssées Africaines, spotlighted 17 African artists, focusing on the role of history in their contemporary practices.

Yemsi is also known for her work as curator of the 11th African Photography Encounters in Bamako, where she showcased the works of artists who tackle complex narratives of migration, identity, and postcolonialism. Her dedication to women artists in Africa has been particularly impactful, ensuring that their voices are heard on international platforms. Yemsi has built a career as a “courier” for African artists, helping them gain visibility and recognition in prestigious art spaces around the world.

Portrait of Missla Libsekal

7. Missla Libsekal 

Missla Libsekal is an Ethiopian-born writer and curator whose digital platform Another Africa became a key voice in the discourse around contemporary African art. Founded in 2010, the platform offered a critical space for African and diasporic perspectives, operating ahead of the curve in recognizing the potential of digital media for art advocacy.

Libsekal’s curatorial work spans across continents, and she has been involved in exhibitions and programs that highlight emerging African artists, such as Beyond What We See in France. Her writing, published in outlets such as The Guardianand The Africa Report, engages deeply with themes of Pan-Africanism, culture, and identity. Her curatorial practice emphasizes the importance of arts education and artist residencies, and her leadership at ART X Lagos 2024 promises to bring fresh insights into contemporary African art.

Portrait of Osei Bonsu 

8. Osei Bonsu 

Osei Bonsu, a British-Ghanaian curator, has been instrumental in broadening the representation of African and diasporic artists at one of the world’s leading art institutions, Tate Modern. His role as curator of International Art has allowed him to influence the museum’s collection and exhibitions, ensuring that African voices are more prominently featured. Bonsu’s curatorial practice often intersects with his writing, where he explores race, migration, and identity in contemporary art.

Bonsu’s contributions extend beyond the Tate, as he has advised private collections and international museums, fostering greater appreciation for African contemporary art globally. His role as a lecturer at prominent institutions and his digital platform, Creative Africa Network, have helped nurture emerging talent across the continent.

Portrait of Salimata Diop

9. Salimata Diop 

Senegalese curator Salimata Diop has made significant contributions to the recognition of African photography. As co-director of the documentary series African Masters, Diop introduced international audiences to the studios of major African artists such as Yinka Shonibare and El Anatsui. Her efforts culminated in the creation of the Musée de la Photographie de Saint-Louis du Sénégal (MuPho), which she directed from 2017 to 2018, establishing it as a key institution for African photographers.

Diop’s curatorial projects have ranged from the Cape Town Art Fair to Les Chants Invincibles in Dakar, where she showcased the works of emerging African artists. With a deep understanding of both African and European art contexts, Diop continues to curate exhibitions that bridge the gap between African and global art scenes. Her academic background and her expertise in art history and literature inform her multidisciplinary approach to curating.

As these curators continue to push the boundaries of contemporary art, their influence is felt far beyond gallery walls. Through their innovative exhibitions, digital platforms, and scholarly contributions, they are not only elevating African and diasporic art but also challenging long-standing structures within the art world itself. By expanding the discourse around race, identity, migration, and postcolonialism, they are fostering a deeper understanding of contemporary issues and giving a platform to the next generation of artists. Their work reminds us that art is not just a reflection of society but a powerful force for change, capable of reshaping our worldviews. As the global art scene continues to evolve, the contributions of these curators will remain pivotal in redefining the narrative for years to come.

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