AMID the art world hustle and bustle of fairs and auction viewings scattered around New York City, Aperture Foundation celebrated the launch of their new summer issue last week. Titled “Platform Africa,” it was only fitting that the launch took place at 1:54 Contemporary African Art Fair. The issue explores the spaces that have influenced contemporary African photography over the past 25 years, such as biennials, experimental art spaces, and educational workshops.
Produced in collaboration with Bisi Silva, John Fleetwood, and Aïcha Diallo, the magazine also features photographs and essays by François-Xavier Gbré, M. Neelika Jayawardane, Nico Krijno, Bongani Madondo, Silas Martí, Morad Montazami, Sabelo Mlangeni, Mimi Cherono Ng’ok, Kaelen Wilson-Goldie, and Jenna Wortham.
Guests browsed through the new issue against a wall of photographic prints featured in the magazine, while also strolling through booths presenting current and emerging contemporary African art from galleries all over the world. The lively mood extended outside, with Kwami Coleman DJ-ing in the outdoor garden under the Red Hook skyline.
Oumou Diarra, Les Chasseuses de Bazin, 2016. Courtesy: the artist
Sarah Waiswa, Seeking to Belong, 2016, from the series Stranger in a Familiar Land.
Courtesy: the artist
Zied Ben Romdhane, Site of phosphate processing, Redeyef, Tunisia, March 21, 2015,
from the series West of Life. Courtesy: the artist
Thabiso Sekgala, Jane Nkuna, Loding, former KwaNdebele, 2009
Courtesy the Estate of Thabiso Sekgala and the Goodman Gallery, Johannesburg
At 1:54 Contemporary African Art Fair
by Louise Lui
On newsstands June 6, 2017