Buying Authentic African art

Since the earliest times of man, Africans have been  depicting their diverse cultures, religions and realities in an array of African art forms which are today sought after treasures. 

The mystique behind the masks, finely carved  fertility dolls and the carefully crafted sculptures of the human figure in  various poses are slowly being unravelled as the world’s spotlight falls  decidedly on the intrinsic value and aesthetic appeal of authentic African art.

Africa’s creativity largely ignored

For many centuries Africa and its cultural symbols  were largely ignored by a bigoted first world that simply couldn’t comprehend  the fact that Africa could offer anything of significance. This myth was dealt  a resounding blow when the invading British army came face to face, and later  seized, the famous Benin  Bronzes in the late 18th century.

These extraordinary, elegant bronze plaques,  numbering over 1000, were crafted in the 16th century but analysts  now believe that bronzes were cast in Benin as early as the 13th  century, a remarkable accomplishment for a continent of people effectively  regarded as ‘savages’.

Internationally acclaimed African  artists

Today there is an entire legion of artists born and  bred in the Africa who are redefining the meaning of African art and who are  being recognised for their fresh, exciting and, sometimes, combative visual  portrayal of tradition, culture and post-modern attitudes. 

Renowned African artists who have found exposure  and popularity in the international community include:

Chéri Samba of the Congo is an acclaimed  African artist who encapsulates both tradition and the modern world in his  paintings which have been integral parts of collections in both Paris and New  York.

Nigerian artist, Sokari Douglas Camp, now  domicile in the USA, is renowned for her imposing steel sculptures which depict  an intimate relationship with her mother country. She effectively uses masks  and ritual clothing as compositional themes in her work.

Malian artist,Abdoulaye Konaté uses  his multi-medium artworks to make a statement on political, social and  environmental issues whereas South African, Tracey Rose uses her work,  described as ‘visual poetry’, to confront the politics of identity in a land  that has had a tumultuous political past.

African  art comes in all shapes and sizes and includes sculptures, masks, ceramics and  paintings. If you are seduced by the sheer beauty and creativity of African  art, browse our listing of artists and examples of their work right here online  or at one of our South African Gallery partners and buy South African art today.

Contemporary South African  artists

Inspirational and original African art by popular South African artists includes works by:

 
1. Mauro  Chiarla
 
2. Frank Ross
 
3. Wallace  Hulley
 
4. Katherine  Ambrose
 
5. Bon  Chandiyamba
 
6. Benjamin  Mitchley
 
7. Michael  Tancrel

Buy South African art  online

When  purchasing African art remember to demand a certificate of authenticity and buy South African art online or at any of the reputable art galleries in partnership with us. Not only will you be fully informed as to the origin of  the artworks and the artists themselves but you can rest assured you have, in  fact, purchased a certified and authenticated piece of African art.

Contact us if  you have any enquiries or if you would like to order your authentic African artwork online.