From Julie Mehretu’s record-breaking sales to Adenrele Sonariwo taking over the world, we have spotlighted (in no particular order!) ten ncredible female artists reshaping the art world. These women exemplify creativity and inclusivity, especially for their diverse perspectives and groundbreaking contributions to contemporary art.
1. Julie Mehretu
Julie Mehretu, born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, has soared to new heights in the art world. In a groundbreaking auction at Sotheby’s Hong Kong, her abstract masterpiece commanded an astonishing $9.32 million. Mehretu continued to make waves, surpassing her record with “Walkers With the Dawn and Morning” at a Sotheby’s auction in New York, fetching an astounding $10.7 million. This piece, inspired by Langston Hughes’ 1920s poem, solidifies Mehretu as the highest-grossing African-born artist.
2. Jadé Fadojutimi
British-Nigerian artist Jadé Fadojutimi‘s star continues to rise. At the Phillips Sale in New York, her painting “Quirk my mannerism” shattered estimates, selling for $1.94 million. Fadojutimi, closely watched for her abstraction, previously set records at Sotheby’s and Phillips in London, demonstrating her undeniable impact on the contemporary art scene.
3. Lynette Yiadom-Boakye
Lynette Yiadom-Boakye is a British painter and writer, of Ghanaian heritage. Her masterpiece “Six Birds in the Bush” achieved a groundbreaking $3.6 million at Sotheby’s London auction. This marked a personal triumph and set a new pinnacle for black female artists, showcasing her profound influence and redefining market expectations.
4. Esther Mahlangu
Esther Mahlangu, a beacon of contemporary African art, brings the Ndebele heritage to life with bold, large-scale paintings. She achieved a groundbreaking feat by becoming the first female and non-Western person to take the wheel of BMW’s iconic design with her renowned ‘art car.’ Recently, an exhibition curated by Nontobeko Ntombela and executed by The Melrose Gallery served as a tribute to Dr. Mahlangu’s illustrious life as an artist.
5. Otobong Nkanga
Belgium-based Nigerian visual artist Otobong Nkanga, a sculptor extraordinaire, clinched the $100,000 Nasher Prize. Her multidimensional works, spanning sculpture, textile, and installation, unravel power dynamics within landscapes and propose solutions to ecological challenges. Nkanga’s art transcends history and geography, offering a profound reflection on our world.
6. Adenrele Sonariwo
Entrepreneur and curator Adenrele Sonariwo, founder of Rele Art Gallery, is reshaping the art landscape. Her commitment to democratizing art led to the opening of the Rele Gallery in Los Angeles and a forthcoming venture in London. Adenrele’s influence extends beyond exhibitions, with initiatives like the Young Contemporaries show nurturing the next generation of artists.
7. Toyin Ojih Odutola
Toyin Ojih Odutola, a Nigerian-American artist, is celebrated for her vibrant multimedia drawings challenging traditional portraiture. Her meticulous work, rich in detail and vivid colours, creates fictional characters embodying various emotions and situations. Odutola uniquely blends African culture into her universal portraits, particularly drawing from Nigeria’s history. She stands as a success story for African female artists seeking global recognition, proving the significant contribution of contemporary African art to the international cultural landscape.
8. Nengi Omuku
Nigerian artist Nengi Omuku has captivated audiences with her unique blend of textiles and painting. From her solo exhibition at Hastings Contemporary to displays at international galleries, Omuku explores the dance between the natural world and human experiences, transcending boundaries with her mesmerizing creations.
9. Mati Diop
French-Senegalese filmmaker Mati Diop stands as the first black female director nominated for the Palme d’Or at Cannes. Her documentary “Dahomey” explores the return of looted treasures to Africa, winning top honours at the Berlin Film Festival. Diop’s work weaves fiction and documentary, addressing themes of exile, identity, and memory.
10. Asmaa Jama
Asmaa Jama, the 2023 Access ART X Prize Africa/Diaspora winner, embodies a fusion of art, myth, movement, and migration. Their impactful films and writings, showcased on international platforms, reveal a deep exploration of storytelling. With accolades like the Brunel African Poetry Prize and notable residencies, Jama is a force shaping the contemporary art landscape.
