Four contemporary art galleries to visit in Eastern and Southern Africa.
Knowing the right places to visit to experience high end contemporary fine art in Africa is not easy. Its challenging. Which is why most people struggle to appreciate the sea of talent in Africa.
In this article, we will explore four notable contemporary fine art galleries in Eastern and Southern Africa that will make your journeys worthwhile. Included also are best restaurants nearby the galleries plus maps to their physical spaces.
1. Afriart Gallery – Uganda
What is Afriart gallery known for?
It’s a contemporary art gallery in Kampala, Uganda known for its effort in introducing artists based in Africa especially in Ugandan East Africa to international markets and audiences.
Mission, Vision and Goals of the art Gallery
“Our mission is to present powerful contemporary artistic ideas and discussions to ardent collectors and audiences.” Reads the Afriart gallery bio on Instagram.
Focusing on original forms of expression and dialogue with the public, the gallery is devoted to creating supportive systems for visual artists living and working in Africa by implementing projects like residencies, exhibitions, workshops, talks among others to foster their growth through visibility, archiving and mentorship.
History and Leadership of Afriart gallery
Afriart gallery was founded in 2002 by its current director, Daudi Kalungi: A trained visual artist.
“I went to Makerere University school of art and in 3rd year 2001, I thought about the future of myself and my classmates as artists: I asked myself. what are we are going to do when we are out of here? I started researching places in Kampala where artists could show their works, and at that time, there were two places that I thought would not be enough to cater to all artists that were about to graduate. I started Afriart gallery to fill that void.” said Daudi Kalungi in an interview by Omusana review.
FAST FACT.
Art used to be an Olympic event. The founder of the modern Olympic games, Baron Pierre de Coubertin was enamored with the idea of the true Olympian being a talented artist and sports person.
Between 1912 and 1948, medals were given out for sporting inspired master pieces of painting, architecture, sculpture, music and literature.
Artists represented by Afriart gallery
Afriart gallery represents artists from Uganda and the rest of Africa. These artists include but not limited to;
- Xenson – Ugandan
- Sanaa Gateja – Ugandan
- Henry Mzili Mjunga – Ugandan
- Sungi Mlengeya – Tanzanian
- April Kamukunde – Kenyan
- Richard Atugonza – Ugandan
- Kalaeb Abate – Ethiopian
- Emmie Nume – Ugandan
- Nelsa Guambe – Mozambican
Some of these artists (Xenson, Gateja, Mjunga) have been valued i.e., have their work sold in a reputable art auction house. E.g., the East African Art Auction and the Piasa Auction.
The works of the artists represented by Afriart gallery are widely collected in Uganda, Kenya, South Africa, Germany, USA, Netherlands and France.
The artists explore themes such as consumerism, gender equality, immigration, environmental conservation, African histories among others.
Current Exhibition
Shapes of Water.
This is a group exhibition, curated by Lara Buchaman presenting works by women artists from Eastern and Southern Africa. Visit Afriart Gallery website to find out more.
The exhibition runs from Saturday 27th May, 2023 to Saturday 12th August, 2023.
Best Restaurants near Afriart Gallery
- Wild Coffee Bar
- Café Savoro
Contact Afriart Gallery
Address: 110, Seventh St, Industrial Area Kampala.
Website: afriartgallery.org
Location Map;
2. Circle Art Gallery – Kenya
What is Circle Art Gallery known for?
Circle art gallery is a contemporary art gallery based in Nairobi, Kenya which is known for promoting contemporary art from East Africa.
The gallery is keen to make visible the wealth of artistic talent that exists in East Africa to local and international collectors.
Mission, Vision and Goals
“Our mission is to create a strong and sustainable art market for East African artists by supporting and promoting the most innovative and exciting artists currently practicing in the region” Circle art gallery website reads.
Through group and solo exhibitions as well as participation in international art fairs, Circle art gallery increases visibility for established and emerging artists in East Africa.
History and Leadership
Circle art gallery was founded in 2012, by its current director, Danda Jaroljmek a curator with a masters in arts, Chelsea London, together with Fiona Fox.
Circle art gallery founders and directors have worked in the local and international art industry for more than 20 years.
FAST FACT
Japan was the 1st Asian nation to reach the knockout stages of Rugby world cup
In 2019 Japan hosted the Rugby world cup and on top of being the 1st Asian nation to host the prestigious competition, they also shocked the world by beating Scotland to reach the knock out stages for the 1st time in history.
Artists represented by Circle Art Gallery
Circle art gallery represents a diverse group of contemporary artists in Nairobi, Kenya and across East Africa. Some of the represented artists include:
- Agnes Waruguru – Kenyan
- Donald Wasswa – Ugandan
- Salah Elmur – Sudanese
- Teresa Musoke – Ugandan
Best Restaurants near Circle Art Gallery
- Brew Bistro and Lounge
Contact Circle Art Gallery
Address: Victoria square, Riara Rd: Lavington, Nairobi.
Website: circleartagency.com
Location Map;
3. Goodman Gallery – South Africa.
What is Goodman gallery Known For?
Goodman gallery is known for being pre-eminent and working with South Africa’s most significant artists, both established and emerging, those from the greater African continent: and international artists who engage with the African context.
Goodman gallery is a south African international contemporary art gallery with locations in Africa found in Johannesburg and Cape town.
Mission, Vision and Goals
The gallery aims to represent artists whose work challenges established power structures and inspires social change.
History and Leadership.
Goodman gallery was founded on 25th November, 1966 during apartheid by Linda Givon (then Goodman) in Johannesburg.
In 2008, the gallery was purchased by Liza Essers, becoming the new director as successor to Linda Givon.
Liza Essers holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Economics and was and independent art advisor and curator prior to purchasing the gallery.
Goodman gallery has been a shoulder and benchmark to the development and professionalization of structures by commercial galleries within South Africa and across Africa.
FAST FACT
Golf balls have on average 336 dimples.
The dimples on a golf ball are designed to make it more aerodynamic, allowing it travel further in air. Most balls feature between 300 to 500 dimples.
Artists represented by Goodman Gallery.
Goodman gallery represents numerous contemporary artists. The following are some of the notable ones;
- Yinka Shonibare CBE RA – Nigerian British
- William Kentridge – South African
- Liza Lou – American
- Ghader Amer – Egyptian
- Lisa Brice – South African
Current Exhibitions and Goodman gallery.
Goodman gallery – Johannesburg
27th May 2023 to 1st July 2023
A solo exhibition by Leonardo Drew
“Goodman gallery is proud to present the first solo exhibition on the African continent for American abstractionist Leonardo Drew, presenting major site-specific work as well as series of wall-based sculptures. The exhibition is organized in close collaboration with Galerie Lelong and Co.”
Best restaurants near Goodman gallery.
Goodman gallery – Johannesburg
- Mabble restaurant
- Much Café
Goodman gallery – Cape Town
- Cucina at Goodman
- The Table bay hotel
Contact Goodman gallery.
Address: 163 Jan Smuts Ave, Parkwood, Johannesburg – 37A Somerset Rd, De Waterkant – 26 Cork Street, London W1S 3ND
Website: goodman-gallery.com
Location Map;
4. Addis Fine Art Gallery – Ethiopia.
What is Addis Fine Art gallery known for?
Addis Fine Art is a leading African contemporary art gallery with locations in Addis Ababa and London. It is known to represent international artists both established and emerging primarily from Ethiopia and the diaspora community.
In 2019, it was listed by Artsy as one of the most important young galleries in the world.
Addis Fine Art gallery is one of the leading galleries in Africa championing under represented spaces in contemporary and modern fine art as well facilitating engagement with both local and mainstream art markets.
History and Leadership
Addis Fine Art gallery was founded in 2016 by Rakeb Sile and Mesai Haileleul.
Mesai Haileleul has had more than 20 years experience as an art dealer, collector and owner of an art gallery in USA while Rakeb Sile was a business consultant with a strong love for fine art.
By organizing exhibitions locally in Addis Ababa and London and participating in prominent art fairs abroad, the gallery increases the visibility of works by Ethiopian artists and inscribes their practice within the global language of cultural production.
Artists represented by Addis Fine Art gallery
- Tesfaye Bekele – Ethiopian
- Dawit Adnew – Ethiopian
- Amel Bashier – Sudanese
- Nirit Takele – Ethiopian
- Ermias Kifleyesus – Ethiopian
FAST FACT
John Aki Bua was the first to win Uganda its first ever gold medal at the Olympic games in Munich 1972 when he set a world record of 47.82 seconds in the 400m hurdles.
We shall remember them.
Current Exhibitions at Addis Fine Art
Addis Ababa space.
Energy Circles
A solo exhibition by Tesfaye Bekele
21st May, 2023 to 19th August, 2023
London Space
Eastern Voices: Contemporary artists from East Africa group show in collaboration with Afriart gallery and Circle Art gallery.
1st June, 2023 to 22nd July, 2023
Contact Addis Fine Art gallery
Address: NOAH Centrum Building, Bole Atlas – 21 Eastcastle Street, London W1W 8DD
Website: addisfineart.com
Location Map;