Contemporary African artists thrive in Paris

Beninise artist Dimitri Fagbohoun walks in his studio near Paris. The sculptor is one of the 6 artists from Africa or the diaspora whose pieces were showcased in the Cécile Fakhoury gallery in Paris. The French capital has become a stronghold for artists from the continent.

"It is indisputable that there are more and more galleries that are opening, and that represent African artists, Fagbohoun says. We can undoubtedly say that more and more so-called historical galleries are also representing those who are called African artists."

In one of Paris' posh neighbourhoods which is not far from the Champs-Elysées and the famous du "Triangle d'or" where the world's finest Haute Couture shops are based, hushed conversations are accompanied by champagne. The diverse public doesn’t need to travel to New York or London. Thanks to this Parisian summer exhibition opening they can see contemporary African artworks.

"Paris has always been multicultural the way New York City is, and from that point of view, yes, it is an adopted home, the 50-year-old starts. However, because we are in Paris, I am enclined to tell you, we make Paris. We are part of this melting pot that makes things bounce back, it's an energy in which we also take part. It's not just innate to the city, it's the result of the diversity, of these blends and what it produces."

Beyond a trend

Whenever Carole Onambélé Kvasnevski beholds these art pieces in Paris she knows how far she’s come. The French and Cameroonian gallery owner remembers when she first entered the business in 2010. Back, then nobody believed in her art gallery project arguing African art wasn’t a thing. She wishes this renewed popularity will bring a longlasting shift in mindsets.

"One can hope that it's not just a trend, contemporary art with African artists from the diaspora, that these artists will find their place in world art, in global art and will no longer be labelled as such, Carole Onambélé Kvasnevski confesses. 'This is an African contemporary art artist', It's an artist... Think about it, do we say a 'European artist', an 'American artist'?"

According to art experts who spoke to the AFP, Brexit has boosted Paris’ attractivity for African artists. Fair director Victoria Mann argues that main art galleries opened branches in Paris.

Artist Dimitri Fagbohoun insists the advent of African art in the French capital also responds to contingencies "that exceed the [art solely]." And which are "mercantile".

Far from Paris, the art sector continues to growing in African. Cities like Lagos, Kinshasa have their Biennale, Cape Town or Marrakech host fairs and artists are going digital to make a name for themselves.