Danh Vo, Alphabet (J), 2011 is one of the African art in London for Frieze art fair. Image courtesy of the artist and Danjuma

ART NEWS: Discover amazing African art in London during the Frieze art fair. The African art exhibition includes works by famous African artists, including Yinka Shonibare MBE, Isa Genzken, Julie Mehretu, Zwelethu Mthethwa, Wangechi Mutu, and Chris Ofili, and many others from the collection of Theo Danjuma.

BY KAZEEM ADELEKE

LONDON—Artworks by contemporary African artists will feature prominently at this year’s Frieze London in October. Drawn from the collection of the young London-based collector Theo Danjuma, the contemporary African art exhibition will include works by famous and emerging artists. They include Neil Beloufa, Robin Rhode, and Lynette Yiadom-Boakye. Alongside works by these contemporary African artists are artworks by several international artists, including Simon Denny, Glenn Ligon, and Rashid Johnson.

The focus of this inaugural exhibition is on two underlying themes: the use of found materials by contemporary artists and contemporary art from Africa.

Discover Amazing African Art in London

The use of found objects by contemporary African artists has been developing over the years. Many artists use what is generally considered “trash” to create their artworks. One of the most famous African artists in this area is El Anatsui. The artist uses bottle tops to create amazing wall hangings that are now in museums around the world. Many young contemporary artists are following in the footsteps of El Anatsui and the artistic tradition of using found objects to create amazing artworks.

Matias Faldbakken, Gedi Sibony, and Danh Vo, three artists who use found objects in their work, will be part of the 12th edition of Frieze London. These artists represent excellent examples of artists who employ “trash” in their artistic expression, and they are central to the Danjuma Collection. Their exceptional pieces, made from found objects, have put them at the center of the 21st-century contemporary art discourse. This inaugural presentation at Frieze London focuses on the works of these artists, their conceptual strategies, and the materiality of their objects. Additionally, it reveals a multi-generational approach to using found materials for art.

The second section of the show is on contemporary African artists in general. Contemporary African art is the common thread that runs through the Danjuma Collection. Contemporary African artists whose works are in the collection include Dineo Seshee Bopape, Moshekwa Langa, and Ernest Mancoba. Others are Julie Mehretu, Nandipha Mntambo, and Emeka Ogboh. These artists will feature notably in this inaugural exhibition of contemporary African art in the heart of London.

About Theo Danjuma Collection of African Art

Theo Danjuma began collecting art in 2008. Since then, his art collection has grown. It includes works by famous and emerging contemporary African artists as well as internationally recognized artists. Yinka Shonibare MBE, Gilbert & George, Leonce Raphael Agbodjelou, and Isa Genzken are some of the important artists whose works are in the Danjuma collection. Also in the collection are works by Moshekwa Langa, Peter McDonald, Julie Mehretu, and Nandipha Mntambo.

Artworks by Zwelethu Mthethwa, Wangechi Mutu, Odili Donald Odita, Chris Ofili, and Abraham Oghobase feature prominently in the collection. Also part of the collection are works by Cheri Samba, Berni Searle, and Michael Wilkinson.

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Suffice it to say that Danjuma is an indiscriminate collector. His art collection includes paintings, photographs, sculptures, and installation art by artists from across the globe. At the core of his collection, however, is contemporary African art.  

Danjuma’s art collection has grown so much in the last six years to the point that extra space is now needed to accommodate them. To that end, a private museum to house the collection is already under construction in Lagos, Nigeria. According to Danjuma, the objective of placing this large collection in a private museum in Lagos is to support Nigerian artists as well as strengthen the local art scene. Furthermore, he hopes that the location of the museum will help promote Lagos as an international arts destination. The museum will open in November 2016.

Experience amazing African art in London during the frieze art fair. The show is an opportunity for art lovers to enjoy works by African artists. Do you have a favorite African artist? Share your thoughts. Leave a comment