All in manufactoriel
Cameroonian photographer Jacob Nzudie documented a seismic shift in culture and class, his Supermarché series reminiscent of a catalogue of newfound urbanism - the excitement of the Cameroonian young as they revel in a new capitalist fantasy of consumption; artificial glory is the goal, packaged happiness the craving.
Malian photographer Malick Sidibé’s works epitomized the resilient yet carefree semblance of the Bamako youth, revealing the flamboyant nonchalance of a country who had too long been under the reigns of a colonial dominance that pressed heavily on the freedom of African expression, creation and spirit.
Multi-disciplinary artist Duval Timothy is best known for his free-form, classical and jazzy music.
Nothing is straightforward for @stephen.tayo and it is precisely this straying nature that makes his work so beautiful, so raw, so impromptu.
American photographer Deana Lawson’s work faithfully dissects the stereotypes of black aesthetics, focusing on the performance of the individual; the intimacy within a singular moment, a snapshot into a mind and a life, where a stranger becomes ‘family’.
Nigerian photographer, Solomon Osagie Alonge allowed for a new expression in the court; scenes of colonial defeat were replaced with a belated yet restorative prowess, personal integrity and power were visualised in each image, initiating a new narrative of cultural and national pride for Nigeria.
Burkinabe photographer Sory Sanlé’s works declare a nostalgia before their time, a want for the possibility of anticipated hope and joy, of replacing the void of creativity amidst colonial formality, and creating an unspoiled narrative of cultural articulation.
African American artist Ellen Gallagher’s multilayered works are underwhelmingly shocking; the canon of advertising is transformed as the façade of the equality and diversity promised lingers unsettlingly, the uniformity of racial stereotypes continuing to burden the black body.
Haitian painter Philomé Obin’s works possess considerable depth, the illusion of unsophisticated figurative drawings simultaneously dictates a pain and an endurance; a joyous revolt, a hallelujah to the Haitian independence, an unvarnished disclosure of unchanging politics and poverty.
South-Sudanese photographer Richard Lokiden Wani’s works are stark, honest depictions of a pride that supersedes all material and monetary frivolity; an exposé of his own determination and resistance to poverty.
Nigerian visual artist and photographer, Fatimah Tuggar’s works present a collaged reality of West African and Western motifs, a world where African is not a homogenous identity, where tropes of class, race and religion may differ without colliding.
Russian-Ghanaian photographer Liz Johnson Artur’s candid shots portray the black experience unrestricted by the mould so often replicated; presenting personalities in all their grace, the nuanced spirit of blackness is alive and free.
Kerry James Marshall is an American painter whose works portray every day scenes and situate blackness as a central theme that challenges both existing stereotypes and lack of representation.
African photographer Boniface Wandera’s photography sets are a dream-like world of their own, with travel signage and seaside images beckoning both the subjects posing in the photo and viewers.
Cuban artist María Magdalena Campos-Pons’ autobiographical works revolve around themes such as spirituality, histories, and multicultural identity.
South African artist Moshekwa Langa’s works can be interchangeably seen as works of fine art and poetry.
Bandele ‘Tex’ Ajetunmobi is a self-taught photographer known for his documentation of the culture and communities in East London.
Manufactoriel is collaborating with Coeval to showcase contemporary African art culture and figures, highlighting the vast diversity and complexity of African and Black art.
