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AKAA Fair Highlights New Wave of African Art in Paris
By Drooid · · How we work
AKAA Fair Brings African Artists to Paris
The annual AKAA (Also Known as Africa) art and design fair is underway in Paris, marking its 11th edition. The event gathers dozens of African and Afro-descendant creators, offering them a platform in the French capital to present their work to an expanding audience of collectors and enthusiasts.
Fair’s History and Scope
Since its inception, AKAA has positioned itself as a bridge between African artistic production and the European market. Over a decade of editions, the fair has consistently showcased a broad range of media and styles, reflecting the continent’s diverse cultural expressions. This year’s iteration continues that trajectory, emphasizing the growing interest among buyers in contemporary African art.
Featured Artists: Midegbeyan Ojisua and Olivié Keck
Among the participants, Nigerian painter Midegbeyan Ojisua presents ethereal canvases that draw on the Italian Renaissance, particularly the colour palette of Leonardo da Vinci. His work employs earthy tones to underscore a thematic link between humanity and nature.
South African creator Olivié Keck offers a contrasting visual language, placing faceless female silhouettes against vivid pop-inspired backgrounds. The compositions reference ancient Greek ceramic figures, elevating the subjects to a divine status while commenting on contemporary femininity.
Emerging Market for African Art
The fair’s programming underscores a shift in the art market, with a new generation of collectors actively seeking African and diaspora works. Organizers note that this heightened demand is reshaping purchasing patterns and encouraging greater visibility for artists outside traditional Western circuits. The presence of Ojisua and Keck exemplifies how diverse aesthetic approaches are resonating with buyers, signaling a broader acceptance of African contemporary art within global galleries and institutions.