Afr-i-can Contemporary Art, a new project from Nigerian-American entrepreneur Olufemi Ibitayo, opens tonight to show the work of modern African artists in a setting that blurs the line between traditional gallery and something more like a really cool friend's living room.
Housed in a loft inside the famous, mid-century modern American Cement Building on Wilshire, the gallery has partnered with furniture retailer Modloft to present art in a comfortable, home-like setting.
Photograph: Courtesy Afr-i-can Contemporary Art
“There’s so much more intimacy seeing art in a home, and it is where artwork really comes alive—it is in those moments, for example, while having a cup of tea, that you have the chance to really live with a piece, to let it unfold over time and experience its facets,” Ibitayo told Eurweb.com about his vision for the concept.
All art displayed in Afr-i-can will be from 1970 or later, to focus on the contemporary African and African-diaspora experience in the post-colonial era. The first show, titled Presentation 001, features a group of nine artists of Nigerian heritage who work in a variety of styles and media. Among the works are sculptures by Obinna Makata who integrates traditional woven textiles into modern pieces, Diseye Tantua’s colorful ‘Afro-Pop Art’ style paintings, and Joshua Nmesirionye’s powerful depictions of Northern Nigeria in the era of Boko Haram. Presentation 001 will be on view through June 30.
To maintain the feel of a private home, Afr-i-can Contemporary Art only allows a few guests at a time and requires appointments in advance, which can be booked by calling (213) 263-9052 or emailing info@afr-i-can.com.
Afr-i-can Contemporary Art is located at 2404 Wilshire Boulevard, Space 11C.
Photograph: Courtesy Afr-i-can Contemporary Art
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