Africa Basel
Africa Basel made a grand debut from June 17th to 22nd, welcoming over 5,500 visitors, including collectors, curators, journalists, and art enthusiasts, within the heritage-rich walls of Ackermannshof in Basel. The fair not only showcased a diverse array of art but also highlighted the vibrant voices of contemporary African artists, reinforcing that Africa holds its own on the global creative stage.
With a carefully curated schedule packed full of engaging and educational activities, Africa Basel catered to everyone, from seasoned art aficionados to those who might think a “still life” simply refers to a serene painting. Among the standout highlights was unx-art’s exhibition, "Held in Memory, Forged in Form," which spotlighted the exceptional Nigerian artist Helen Ogochukwu Nzete alongside the talented Togolese artist Clément Ayikoué Gbegno.
Helen Ogochukwu Nzete, trained in sculpture and based in Abuja, captivated viewers with her introspective works that delve into themes of memory, resilience, and the delicate process of repair. Her recent series, "The Year of Knots," features plaster-and-rope reliefs that explore the bonds we inherit and the potential to gently unravel them. Through her work, Nzete invites contemplation on healing, clarity, and the intricacies of personal and social bonds.
Clément Ayikoué Gbegno, a key figure in Togo's emerging art scene, complements Nzete's exploration with his own focus on themes of being and disappearance. After dedicating himself fully to his art, Gbegno’s works reflect cycles of dissolution and renewal, highlighting the fluid nature of existence. Using layered textures and a restrained chromatic palette, he makes visible the traces and absences that often evade representation, inviting viewers to engage with the continuum of life and death.
Together, their works at unx-art propose a unique experience—one that portrays figures in moments of fragile exchange, lingering between persistence and release. This exhibition serves as a powerful reminder that African artists, while often rooted in tradition, create powerful dialogues that resonate well beyond the continent's borders, encouraging conversations about identity, connection, and the human experience.
Africa Basel not only marked a significant moment for the artists represented but also reinforced the fair’s commitment to celebrating and elevating African contemporary art on a global scale.