African art has always been more than just a visual experience—it is a vessel of history, culture, and storytelling rooted in the identity of its people. Yet, for too long, African artists and their contributions have been overlooked on the global stage. Today, a new wave of visionary artists is changing the narrative and breaking barriers with bold styles and powerful expressions that drive change and inspire communities. These are the rising stars of African art, carving the future of African Art with their creativity and impact.
1. Dotun Popoola
Nigerian visual artist Dotun Popoola is transforming the global art scene one piece of trash at a time. He creates artwork from discarded scrap metal and focuses on repurposing waste that threatens the ecosystem.
Inspired by African wildlife, Nigerian folklore, and cultural symbols, he blends tradition with contemporary art, creating thought-provoking pieces that celebrate sustainability and cultural heritage. His artworks are voices for environmental advocacy that inspire sustainability and awareness.
2. Laetitia Ky
Ivorian artist and activist Laetitia Ky creates unique sculptures from her hair and is a leading voice in the natural-hair movement. Ky’s work draws inspiration from the richness of African beauty and the intricate hairstyles of pre-colonial African women.
As she pursued her artistic career, she found that hair was more than an aesthetic element. It is a powerful medium for storytelling, cultural expression, and activism.
3. Yagazie Emezi
Nigerian multidisciplinary artist Yagazie Emezi explores photography, textiles, and sculpture to highlight global inequities from an Indigenous perspective. Drawing from her experience in photojournalism, she has captured pressing issues such as corruption, environmental degradation, and the enduring influence of colonial policies in modern society.
Her recent works explore identity and cultural preservation, blending traditional motifs with contemporary techniques to tell stories that challenge narratives, honour heritage, and reimagine the future.
4. Sk Original
South African multidisciplinary Artist SK Original creates unique cracked glass art. His work captures the essence of notable figures with artistic expression. Beyond cracked glass, SK works with charcoal, graphite, paint, and tufting art to explore different textures and styles.
His ability to translate emotions and stories into powerful visuals makes his work distinctive. Through his art, he redefines portraiture, turning broken glass into meaningful masterpieces.
5. Alex Peter Idoko
Nigeria’s Alex Peter is a self-taught pyrography artist who has carved a niche for himself with his mastery of fire and wood. As a teenager, Peter developed a passion for portrait painting and explored various mediums, including pen, pastel, and pencil.
However, pyrography, a technique involving the delicate use of a razor, sandpaper and blowtorch, defines his artistic identity. His works blend surrealism and hyperrealism and are distinguished by their precision, emotional depth, and striking detail, pushing the boundaries of traditional portraiture.
6. Cyrus kabiru
Kenyan artist Cyrus Kabiru creates Afrofuturistic sculptural spectacles, or C-Stunners, out of retrieved objects and recycled materials sourced on the streets of Nairobi, blending his local landscape with global influences.
His work is rooted in the concept of repurposing, driven by a nostalgic connection to the overlooked and ordinary. Cyrus invites viewers to see the world through a new perspective, offering a fresh lens on identity, creativity, and transformation.
7. Dr Fola David
Nigeria’s Adefemi Gbadamosi (Dr. Foladavid) is a multidisciplinary artist whose work spans charcoal, pastels, acrylics, and oils, seamlessly blending his experiences as a doctor and traveller into his creative process. His art often explores skin conditions, particularly those affecting Black skin, using his platform to raise awareness through exhibitions worldwide.
He holds the Guinness World Record (GWR) for the world’s largest drawing by an individual. The massive artwork spans an impressive 850 square meters. Through his art, he continues to bridge the gap between medicine, culture, and visual storytelling.
