Asisebenze Art Atelier: Contemporary? Says who?

One of the many obsessions of the art world is the need to categorise art and artists. It gives meaning and context to the artists and their work. The question is, from who’s perspective is this judgement being made?

Contemporary art, for instance, is supposedly the gold standard by which all notable artists wish to be measured. But what is contemporary? Do the characteristics that define ‘contemporary’ in London, Paris or New York apply in Joburg, Cape Town, or Lagos? Which brings me to the question: Contemporary? Says who?

From a Western perspective, contemporary art has moved beyond the figurative and representative. So, portraiture as practiced by the masters of old are now considered old fashioned, not contemporary. However, from an African perspective, that same argument doesn’t hold true. Mainly because it disregards the rich cultural significance of these forms, but also because it undermines the unique narratives they contain.

Look no further than the emphasis on portraiture and figurative art by many artists at Asisebenze Art Atelier to see that this is part of a broader trend among younger creators in Joburg and across South Africa. Portraiture’s roots run deep in African history, where art has long been a tool for self-expression, identity, and social commentary.

This reality remains even after the advent of democracy, where many artists enter the art world as self-taught individuals, driven by raw talent and societal expectations. In fact, the simple request to ‘draw me’ reflects a broader cultural environment where art is synonymous with representation and recognisability.

Take, for example, Patrick Seruwu, an Ugandan-born AAA resident artist whose practice revolves around portraiture. His work goes beyond mere aesthetics, delving into narratives of xenophobia and his positive experiences in South Africa. As he continues to evolve his practice, he experiments with new materials, such as incorporating plastic shopping bags into his paintings. These bags symbolise the act of sending groceries from South Africa to Uganda, a poignant reflection on the reality of caring for loved ones from afar.

However, when these artists enter the professional art world, they often face the disheartening narrative that portraiture is not ‘contemporary’ enough. The market is described as oversaturated with figurative work, leading to a sense of fatigue and a perception that these forms are outdated.

This rejection feels like a dismissal of their artistic identity, pushing some artists towards abstraction in an effort to regain acceptance and relevance.

This situation presents a conundrum: how can African artists be considered contemporary when their practice centres on representation?

Samantha Maseko – Barbie

Steve Maphoso – Heaven on earth

Ironically, one of the driving forces behind contemporary African art is the effort to correct the absence of representation in art history. This suggests that artists from Africa, particularly those at Asisebenze, should have the freedom to continue their portrait-based practices.

If 500 years of Western representation is not seen as oversaturated, why should portraiture from African artists be viewed differently?

The works created by Asisebenze Art Atelier artists and similar studios across Africa are vital contributions to the global art narrative. They offer fresh perspectives and unique stories that challenge and expand the boundaries of what is considered contemporary.

African artists should be allowed to define their own contemporary practices. Rather than viewing portraiture as passé, it should be celebrated for its ability to convey the rich and diverse narratives of the African experience. African portraiture and representational art are not merely stylistic choices; they are essential tools for documenting and communicating the stories of a continent that has long been underrepresented in the global artistic lexicon. As the art world continues to evolve, it must make space for these voices and the valuable narratives they bring to the fore.

Patrick Seruwu – Unspoken