Following a high-profile showcase of China’s leading talents in contemporary art, Fondation Louis Vuitton has shifted its focus on Africa in a similarly elaborate fashion, and it’s indicative of how the continent has managed to shed rusty connotations and adopt an unprecedented and multi-faceted self-empowerment. The current presentation, entitled Art/Afrique – le Nouvel Atelier, is curated by the venue’s artistic director Suzanne Pagé, and includes two exhibitions and a selection of works from its permanent collection. Occupying the subterranean galleries is the exhibition called the Insiders, presenting works of 15 iconic African artists from the renowned collection of Jean Pigozzi, an expert on African art and avid collectioneur.

Interestingly, each of these artists has been influenced by the spiritual, scientific and technical lore of their homeland, creating compelling new contexts that add to a different perception of this vast continent. The list of artists includes established names, such as Barthélémy Toguo, Malick Sidibé, Calixte Dakpogan, Rigobert Nimi and Bodys Isek Kengelez. One floor up on the ground floor, the complementing exhibition being there unfolds, presenting works by 16 leading artists from South Africa. They’re part of different generations, and their works intriguingly reflect upon their home country’s historic past and current cultural identity [open through aug 28].

https://superfuture.com/supernews/paris-art/afrique-le-nouvel-atelier