Galerie Mikael Andersen’s summer exhibition Contemporary African Art showcases the work of 5 different African artists: Aboudia (b. 1983, Ivory Coast), Joel Andrianomearisoa (b. 1977, Madagascar), Mustafa Maluka (b.1976, South Africa), Moshekwa Langa (b.1975, South Africa) and Wonga Mancoba (b. 1946, France).

Mustafa Maluka’s large-scale portraits explore politics and critical theory. The confident and intense, yet precisely applied paint creates bold and unique faces, differing greatly in formal approach to the work of Moshekwa Langa. In  Langa’s works on paper the artist uses all manner of material that can be found in his immediate vicinity; wall paint, spray paint, red wine, nail polish and salt help to build up expressive, abstract images in which the artist explores and contextualises his own identity. 

Wonga Mancoba, son of artists Sonja Ferlov Mancoba (b. Denmark, 1911-1984) and Ernest Mancoba (b. South Africa, 1904-2002) takes inspiration from his father’s African roots and the history of South Africa. The works featured in the show are taken from a series entitled Sofiatown which explores the complex and tragic history of Johannesburg suburb.

The wild energetic mixed media canvases of Aboudia depict an innocence and spontaneity that also point to a dark and turbulent inner world. Joël Andrianomearisoa’s work deals with the temporary nature of time; working a lot with textiles, the artist’s almost sculptural works on paper featured in this show have an ephemeral nature while also creating an atmosphere of static permanence.

Photo credits: Jan Søndergaard