10 Must Follow African Artists on Twitter

As the world of art expands and transcends geographical boundaries, the presence of African artists on the global stage has grown exponentially. With their unique blend of heritage, creativity, and innovation, these artists bring forth new perspectives and insights that enrich the contemporary art landscape. In the digital age, social media platforms such as Twitter have emerged as indispensable tools for artists to connect with their audience and share their work on a global scale. This journal seeks to celebrate and showcase 10 must-follow African artists on Twitter, offering readers a glimpse into their creative worlds and inspiring them to explore the rich tapestry of African art.

Artist 1: Wangechi Mutu

Wangechi Mutu, a Kenyan-born artist, captivates audiences with her thought-provoking mixed-media pieces that often delve into themes of identity, gender, and postcolonialism. Her innovative works, which frequently incorporate materials such as collage and found objects, offer a powerful commentary on the African experience in a global context.

On Twitter, Mutu’s unique voice and vision can be found at her account (@WangechiMutu). Here, she shares insights into her creative process, highlights her exhibitions, and engages with her followers. With her groundbreaking installation “The NewOnes, will free Us” at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and her commitment to social and environmental causes, Wangechi Mutu is a must-follow for anyone interested in the world of contemporary African art.

Artist 2: Kehinde Wiley

Nigerian-American painter Kehinde Wiley has garnered international acclaim for his arresting, larger-than-life portraits of African and African American subjects. His work, which often references classical European portraiture, is a powerful exploration of race, power, and representation.

Wiley’s Twitter profile (@kehindewiley) offers an intimate look into his creative process and striking finished pieces. Among his most notable works is his portrait of former President Barack Obama, which now resides in the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery. By skillfully reimagining the traditional canon of art, Kehinde Wiley’s Twitter presence is an essential follow for anyone interested in the evolution of African and African American art.

Artist 3: Njideka Akunyili Crosby

Born in Nigeria and based in the United States, Njideka Akunyili Crosby is a celebrated artist known for her intricate mixed-media paintings that seamlessly blend traditional African art, personal history, and Western techniques. Her work often incorporates collage, drawing, and painting to create complex, layered compositions that explore themes such as identity, migration, and cultural hybridity.

Akunyili Crosby’s Twitter profile (@njidekaakunyili) provides a fascinating insight into her artistic process, as well as her breathtaking finished pieces. Among her most notable works is her series “The Beautyful Ones,” which features portraits of Nigerian youth, reflecting the artist’s own experience of navigating multiple cultural identities. With exhibitions at prestigious institutions like the Whitney Museum of American Art and the Hammer Museum, Njideka Akunyili Crosby’s Twitter presence is a must-follow for art enthusiasts interested in contemporary African art.

Artist 4: Yinka Shonibare

British-Nigerian artist Yinka Shonibare is renowned for his thought-provoking, multi-disciplinary works that explore themes of identity, colonialism, and globalization. His signature use of brightly colored African textiles, often applied to Victorian-era sculptures and installations, challenges viewers to reconsider their preconceptions about race, culture, and history.

Shonibare’s Twitter account (@SHONIBARESTUDIO) serves as a platform for him to share his latest projects, engage with followers, and promote his exhibitions. Among his most iconic works is “Scramble for Africa,” a large-scale installation featuring 14 headless mannequins seated around a table, symbolizing the partition of the African continent by European powers in the late 19th century. By following Yinka Shonibare on Twitter, art enthusiasts can stay abreast of his latest endeavours and thought-provoking creations.

Artist 5: Mary Sibande

South African artist Mary Sibande is known for her striking sculptural installations and vivid, life-sized figures that explore themes of race, gender, and identity in post-apartheid South Africa. Sibande’s work often features a recurring character named Sophie, who serves as an avatar for the artist’s own experiences and the broader history of black women in her country.

Sibande’s Twitter presence (@marysibande) showcases her evocative creations, while also providing insights into her artistic inspirations and upcoming exhibitions. With her work featured in prominent institutions such as the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art and the Zeitz MOCAA in Cape Town, Mary Sibande’s Twitter account is a must-follow for those interested in the vibrant world of contemporary African art.

Artist 6: Victor Ehikhamenor

Hailing from Nigeria, Victor Ehikhamenor is a multi-talented artist whose work spans painting, drawing, photography, and sculpture. His creations, inspired by his Edo heritage and Nigerian folklore, often incorporate traditional symbols and motifs in a contemporary context, exploring themes of history, memory, and spirituality.

Ehikhamenor’s Twitter profile (@victorsozaboy) is a testament to his diverse artistic practice, offering glimpses of his latest works, exhibitions, and collaborations. With his engaging presence and thought-provoking art, Victor Ehikhamenor is a must-follow artist for anyone interested in the vibrant world of African contemporary art.

Artist 7: Toyin Ojih Odutola

Nigerian-born artist Toyin Ojih Odutola has gained international recognition for her captivating, large-scale drawings and portraits that challenge traditional notions of race, identity, and representation. Working primarily in charcoal, pastel, and pencil, her intricate, richly textured works often depict black subjects in a manner that invites viewers to question their own perceptions.

On Twitter, Ojih Odutola’s account (@obia_thethird) offers an intimate look into her creative journey, sharing her latest works, behind-the-scenes insights, and upcoming exhibitions. As a rising star in the world of contemporary art, Toyin Ojih Odutola’s Twitter presence is a must-follow for those seeking to immerse themselves in the world of African artistry.

Artist 8: Ibrahim Mahama

Ghanaian artist Ibrahim Mahama is known for his large-scale installations that transform everyday materials into thought-provoking works of art. Often working with jute sacks, a ubiquitous symbol of trade and commerce in West Africa, Mahama’s creations address themes of labor, history, and globalization.

Mahama’s Twitter account (@ibrahimmahama3) serves as a platform for the artist to share his latest projects and exhibitions, as well as to engage with his audience. By following Ibrahim Mahama on Twitter, art enthusiasts can gain insight into his creative process and the broader context of his innovative, socially-engaged art.

Artist 9: Peju Alatise

Nigerian artist Peju Alatise is a multi-disciplinary artist whose work spans painting, sculpture, and installation. Her art, which often explores themes of gender, power, and the human experience, is characterized by its bold, expressive style and thought-provoking narratives.

Alatise’s Twitter profile (@pejualatise) showcases her latest creations and provides a window into her artistic practice. By sharing her works in progress, exhibition news, and artistic inspirations, Alatise offers her followers a unique perspective on her creative journey. With her powerful visual language and commitment to addressing social issues, Peju Alatise’s Twitter presence is essential for those interested in the dynamic world of contemporary African art.

Artist 10: Zanele Muholi

South African visual activist and photographer Zanele Muholi is renowned for their work documenting the lives of black LGBTQ+ individuals in their home country. Muholi’s powerful and intimate portraits challenge stereotypes and stigma while offering a platform for their subjects to be seen and heard.

Muholi’s Twitter account (@MuholiZanele) is an invaluable resource for followers to stay updated on their latest projects, exhibitions, and activism. By following Zanele Muholi on Twitter, art enthusiasts can witness the transformative power of art as a vehicle for social change and gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by marginalized communities in South Africa and beyond.

In conclusion, this journal has highlighted 10 must-follow African artists on Twitter, showcasing their diverse creative practices and unique contributions to the world of contemporary art. Engaging with and supporting these artists on social media platforms like Twitter is vital for fostering cross-cultural dialogue and promoting a deeper appreciation for African art in a global context. By exploring and following the Twitter profiles of these talented artists, readers will not only be inspired by their work but also contribute to a greater understanding of the complex and ever-evolving landscape of African art.