On Tate Modern's Acquisition of Amoako Boafo's Painting; Ongoing Fairs and Forthcoming Festivals Across the World; MACAAL Reopens in Marrakech
We have compiled a list of opportunities open annually to emerging African artists this year. Check out the list here.
The Museum of African Contemporary Art Al Maaden (MACAAL) in Marrakech Reopens
After undergoing significant renovations, MACAAL in Marrakech reopens on the 1st of February 2025 as part of an extensive transformation of the museum’s gallery spaces following a significant investment by its founder, Fondation Alliances.
MACAAL will launch a Timeline Room, based on extensive research and emphasizing key moments on the continent by connecting historical events with great artistic and cultural landmarks, therefore expanding the museum's educational resources. There will also be a New Media Library (BNM), which will feature an extensive archive of video, digital, sound, and performance art by African artists from the 1990s to the present, as well as a new open library dedicated to contemporary African art.
Visitors will experience the works of emerging and established artists such as Joël Andrianomearisoa, Salah El Mur, Hassan Hajjaj, Abdoulaye Konaté, Malick Sidibé, and Billie Zangewa. Other new offerings at the museum include annual site-specific installations, a new media library, and redesigned public and gallery spaces, promising an enhanced experience for visitors. Visitors will also have access to a new café and terrace on the first floor, and redesigned green areas with sculptures.
Rehab El Sadek is a Recipient of the 2025-2027 Tulsa Artist Fellowship Award
Every year, the Tulsa Artist Fellowship welcomes ten art professionals whose practices span painting, sculpture, film, sound, science, performance, public art, curatorial, photography, writing, and social engagement for a three-year award term to live and work in Tulsa for three years.
US-based Egyptian-born conceptual artist, Rehab El Sadek is one of the 2025 - 2027 Tulsa Artist Fellowship awardees, the second cohort since the program’s expanded award structure was introduced in 2024. Working at the intersection of installation art, architecture, and language, she employs light, shadow, and mnemonic techniques to develop work and expand the footprint of sculptural objects beyond the physical world. Sadek has been the recipient of numerous grants and awards and her work has exhibited in seventeen countries and on four continents in the last thirty years.
“I’m excited to develop a reciprocal relationship with the Tulsa community to create work that is innovative, accessible, and meaningful,” Sadek says.
Ongoing Fairs Across the World
1-54 Marrakech is on! From January 30 – February 2, 2025, at la Mamounia and DaDa in Marrakech, 27 exhibiting galleries will present works from 80 African artists, both emerging and established.
Selected pieces by Chris Ofili and Victor Ehikhamenor are now on display at BRAFA, one of the oldest art fairs in Europe. With over 130 galleries from all over Europe and beyond at Brussels Expo, BRAFA 2025 is opened to the public from January 26th to February 2nd, 2025. The fair encompasses more than 20 specialities, from antique to contemporary art, by way of Old Master paintings, classical African art, antique and design furniture, goldsmithery, carpets and textiles, rare books and jewellery.
In Florida, Art Palm Beach 2025 showcased works from Aboudia (American-Ivorian), Ayobola Kekere-Ekun (Ivorian), and Innocent Nkurunziza from 22nd to 26th of January, 2025. Internationally known as “The International Contemporary and Modern Art Fair of the Americas,” the fair provides an opportunity for enthusiasts, critics, collectors to explore the best of a vast selection of global contemporary and modern art in the vibrant cultural hub of South Florida.
Tate Modern Acquires Painting by Amoako Boafo
Amoako Boafo painting 'Blank Stare' has been acquired by Tate at the ongoing 1-54 Contemporary Art Fair: Marrakech.
Blank Stare (2021) exemplifies Amoako Boafo’s mastery in portraying the inner life of his subjects through bold brushstrokes and textured surfaces, capturing both vulnerability and poise.
Blank Stare was selected by Gregor Muir, Director of Tate’s Collection, and Osei Bonsu, Curator of International Art, as part of the Tate’s Africa Acquisitions Committee Catalyst Fund. This acquisition is said to underscore Boafo’s growing prominence within the global art world and it places his work within the esteemed Tate collection, where it will be seen by millions of visitors for generations to come.
FORTHCOMING
The Biel / Bienne Festival of Photography will present the winning works from the 2024 CAP Prize winners this year from May 2nd to May 25th. As the only annual photography festival of its kind in Switzerland, the Biel/Bienne Festival of Photography has been celebrating contemporary photography for more The exhibition will include works by Lina Geoushy, Ahmed Khirelsid, Tshepiso Moropa, Kriss Munsya, and Farren Van Wyk. Last year, their works were exhibited in a Museum exhibition at the Photo Museum Ireland.
The Photographers’ Gallery has announced the exhibition details for the Deutsche Börse Photography Foundation Prize 2025, set to take place in London this spring. Featuring works by shortlisted artists Cristina De Middel, Rahim Fortune, Lindokuhle Sobekwa, and Tarrah Krajnak, the exhibition will run from 7 March to 15 June 2025 at The Photographers’ Gallery.
Artist Spotlight: Nobel Koty
Born in 1988 in Cotonou, Benin, Nobel Koty creates self-portraits that allow him to probe his inner world. By painting himself against a neutral background, he creates a void around him, laying himself bare. His introspective artistic approach explores the notion of modesty and the connection the individual has with their physical body, which protects and comforts. His canvases become a refuge where human fragility can be revealed without restraint.
Recipient of the 2024 ellipse Prize, Koty's works highlight humanity's frailty, capturing moments of doubt that allow for profound introspection. These moments of uncertainty are critical to our personal development as they enhance our empathy and understanding of mechanisms that sometimes elude us.
On view:
Dance Will Be You: A group exhibition of modern and contemporary African art and design featuring works from María Magdalena Campos-Pons, K. Bruce-Vanderpuije, Dina Nur Satti, and Myles Igwebuike at Efie Gallery. (January 25 – March 26, 2025)
To Break A Bitter Fever: A group show, curated by Kefiloe Siwisa, in collaboration with the artist: Gabrielle Goliath, Gogo Mahlodi, Gugu Duma, Lebogang Mabusela, Maneo Mohale, Natalie Paneng, Nombuso Mathibela, Rachel Lowe, Simnikiwe Buhlungu and Thuli Gamedze. (January 30 – February 8, 2025)
Archives and Memories: In honor of Bisi Silva, The Centre for Contemporary Art, Yaba will feature works from Ndidi Dike, Ngozi-Omeje Ezema, Odun Orimolade, Taiye Idahor, Temitayo Ogunbiyi, and Wura-Natasha Ogunji, alongside other selections from Bisi Silva’s curatorial archive. (February 12 – May 31, 2025)
