African Art Now: 50 Pioneers Defining African Art for the Twenty-First Century

Although often overlooked in the modern art world, over the past decade Africa’s art scene has been experiencing a Golden Age, according to Bonsu, international art curator at the Tate Modern in London. Osei Bonsu hopes to address this oversight, starting with this book spotlighting 50 artists from the continent. Aimed at creating an art gallery in book form, Bonsu draws on an array of artists, including the Zimbabwean mixed media artist Kudzanai Chiurai and the Ghanean painter Amoako Boafo, whose striking piece “Yellow Dress” graces the cover. Each entry comes with a brief biography on the artist and an explanation of how we might see and understand their creations. Often political and insightful, many artists seem to be struggling with their sense of identity, using their art as the second person in a dialog of self-questioning. The poignant resulting collection is a feast for the eyes readers won’t forget.