Are you an art fanatic? Art is an extremely powerful way to deepen understanding for other cultures, share stories, and preserve traditions.
In honor of the recent “Inspire Your Heart with Art Day”, celebrated on January 31st, we can take a moment to admire some inspiring African artists and their incredible artwork.
Check out the work of these talented African artists:
Njideka Akunyili Crosby: A Nigerian-born artist known for her intricate mixed-media paintings that explore identity, culture, and heritage. Her work displays an insightful story, combining traditional African elements, mixed with contemporary influences. She implements American western culture and her native Nigerian aspects while assembling collage and photo transfer-based paintings that uncover the challenges of these two worlds, depicting her individual experience and portraying insight on global issues, such as social and political issues.
Her work can be found on her website: Njideka Akunyili Crosby.
Arébénor Basséne: An artist who challenges conventional history, blending myth, reality, and speculation to explore Africa’s untold narratives. Inspired by historian Pathé Diagne’s theories on early African transcontinental navigation, Basséne examines the connections between Africa and the Americas before European colonization. Through striking imagery and layered storytelling, Basséne brings forgotten histories to life, like the legendary voyages of Mandingo king Aboubakri II. Using batik, a technique introduced to West Africa in the 19th century, he creates layered canvases that blur the boundaries between art and artifact.
Find him on Instagram and other social media: @arebenor_bassene, and explore his work at: Arébénor Basséne on Artsy.
Odeyemi Oluwaseun: A mixed-media and figurative painter focused on the uniqueness and dramatic visual interest of Black people. A visual artist from Ogun State in Nigeria, he is known for his distinctive technique blending oils, pastels, conte, charcoal, acrylic, and watercolors. His work features non-continuous intersecting lines, creating depth and texture that makes it instantly recognizable. Odeyemi’s muses range from people in his life and community to distant inspirations, each telling a story through his bold and intricate artistry. His work stands as a celebration of identity, culture, and emotion.
Find him on Instagram and other social media: @odeyemi_seun, and explore his art at: Oluwaseun Odeyemi on Artsy.
Yellow Yemisi: Yellow Yemisi, or Yemisi Williams, is an extremely gifted digital illustrator from Nigeria and Barbados. Her work is fun, vibrant, and full of energy, capturing the essence of black beauty and empowerment. Known for her distinctive style, Yellow Yemisi celebrates individuality through bold depictions of black skin, expressive eyes, and striking red lips. These elements serve as a powerful tribute to authenticity and confidence. Her art radiates life, energy, and color, making each piece truly unique. You can even download a WhatsApp sticker pack featuring Afrocentric designs of joy and celebration!
Follow her on Instagram and other social media: @yellowyemisi
How You Can Support African Artists:
Loving art is one thing, but actively supporting artists is even better! Here’s how you can help:
- Follow African artists on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter, and share their work to help them gain visibility.
- Support African Art Galleries & Exhibitions – Many African artists showcase their work in both physical and online galleries. Platforms like Artsy, Saatchi Art, and Instagram Shops are great places to discover and support their work.
By supporting African artists, we gain a greater understanding of culture, stories, and creative expressions, and can appreciate their beauty.
If you didn't participate in Inspire Your Heart with Art Day, let’s make a conscious effort to celebrate and uplift these amazing talents!
Written by Romy Baror
