AKAA 2024: A showcase of contemporary African art
The international fair AKAA (Also Known As Africa) , dedicated to contemporary African art and its diaspora, once again brought together artists, gallery owners and art lovers in Paris from October 18 to 20, 2024. This edition was held at the Carreau du Temple , offering visitors an immersion in the richness and diversity of African artistic creations.
Far from being a taboo subject, this 2024 edition has helped to lift the veil on the prices of the works exhibited, allowing collectors and the curious to understand the African contemporary art market. Between works at affordable prices and creations by established artists reaching higher sums, AKAA 2024 offers a representative panorama of the dynamism of this sector.
A diversity of works and artists
In the alleys of the Carreau du Temple, visitors were able to discover a wide range of artistic practices: paintings, sculptures, photographs and installations. Many emerging and established artists were present, coming from various geographical and cultural horizons of the African continent and its diaspora.
Highlights include the vibrant paintings of Dudu Kouate , a Senegalese artist whose canvases explore identity and collective memory. His works, which range in price from €5,000 to €15,000 , attracted considerable interest. On the digital art front, Ibrahim Mahama from Ghana presented striking installations that question notions of power and borders, with works fetching around €20,000 .
Prices revealed: transparency and accessibility
A notable feature of the 2024 edition of AKAA is the willingness of galleries and artists to share the prices of works with a transparency that is unusual for the contemporary art market. This approach helps to democratize access to art, by offering a clear idea of price ranges.
Thus, it was possible to find more accessible works such as those of the Malian artist Fatoumata Diabaté , whose photographs were offered from 2,500 euros . Other more ambitious pieces, notably the sculptures of the Ivorian Jems Robert Koko Bi , could reach 40,000 euros , reflecting the growing recognition of these creators on the international scene.
Trends in the African contemporary art market
AKAA 2024 was also an opportunity to take the pulse of the African contemporary art market, which has been booming in recent years. Experts highlight a marked trend towards the acquisition of works by artists from the diaspora, as well as the emergence of artists who re-appropriate African historical and socio-political narratives through their creations.
There is also a focus on experimenting with new mediums, with a notable presence of digital art and immersive installations. Many collectors, particularly European ones, are increasingly attracted to these works, helping to increase the visibility of African artists on the global contemporary art market.
Conclusion
The 2024 edition of AKAA confirmed the rise and vitality of contemporary African art, not only in terms of creativity but also recognition on the international scene. With a diversity of works and prices, ranging from affordable pieces to more ambitious creations, this fair continues to play a key role in promoting African artists and their diaspora. Through increased transparency on prices, AKAA facilitates access to art while strengthening collectors’ confidence in the ever-growing African market.
