The diverse output of contemporary artists working in Africa evades easy definition. Some artists deal with personal narratives, while others look to history or contemporary culture. Stylistically, some artists build upon the rich visual culture of the continent, looking to carved and painted African masks, colorful woven kente cloths, and ancient bronze sculptures for inspiration. Still others work in styles related to twentieth century art movements like Cubism and Surrealism. The continent is home to a large and varied group of artists who contribute in myriad ways to the contemporary art world.

Photographer Baudouin Mouanda lives and works in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo. Through lyrical and carefully composed images of people on the streets of Brazzaville, Mouanda captures the lively activity of his city, countering the dark and violent media narrative. South African artist William Kentridge has worked in multiple media, including drawings and prints, multimedia installations, and even production design for the Metropolitan Opera in New York City. His work draws upon his own personal experience, as well as the history of apartheid in South Africa. Ghanian artist El Anatsui combines themes both historical and contemporary in his large-scale tapestries made of metal detritus from discarded liquor bottles, and his photographs of tableaux made from the same. In form, these works echo traditional kente cloths worn by Ghanian kings. The materials, however, operate as a stark reminder of the colonial period and the legacy of the destruction it wrought. Now based in Connecticut, Nigerian artist Olu Oguibe synthesizes multiple cultures and traditions in his paintings and installations. Other African artists working today include Marlene Dumas, Zarina Bhimji, Wangechi Mutu, and Robin Rhode.