Tia Coker Tia Coker is a British Nigerian artist based in Essex whose practice centres on hair as sculpture, drawing, and cultural memory. Working with synthetic hair, wire, and beads, she transforms braiding traditions into three-dimensional forms that honour Black identity and heritage. Viewing the head as sacred space, Coker explores hair as a vessel of history, resilience, and political expression. Influenced by childhood memories of women styling hair within community spaces, her installations reflect protection, beauty, and belonging. Through ongoing projects such as Hair, she documents the evolution of Afro hair from childhood to adulthood, framing braids not simply as style, but as art and ancestral connection. The First Mother — Becoming Again, 2026 Synthetic hair , korra beads & metal Ada Synthetic hair The First Mother — Becoming Again, 2026 Synthetic hair Ngozika Synthetic hair The First Mother — Becoming Again, 2026 Synthetic hair Previous Next Connect with the Artist >

Megan Gabrielle Harris Megan Gabrielle Harris, is a Afro-American multi-disciplinary artist of Nigerian descent. Megan's acrylic paintings are heavily influenced by travel, surreal landscapes, and nature, often featuring women of colour depicted as powerful, regal, and divine against vibrant backdrops. Rooted in the traditions of afro-escapism and surrealism, Gabrielle Harris explores dreamscapes and the concept of escape, drawing inspiration from her father, Thomas Harris, who painted in the Escapism style. Her art celebrates rest, leisure, and the beauty of nature, using edenic elements to communicate the sacredness and divinity of the natural world. In this serene, paradisiacal setting, her muses embody heightened versions of themselves, feminine, fragile, and free. Holiday, 2022 Acrylic on canvas Reprieve, 2021 Acrylic on canvas Reverie, 2022 Acrylic on canvas Lunch at Blanco Colima, 2022 Acrylic on canvas I Just Want to Feel Something, 2021 Acrylic on canvas, Previous Next Connect with the Artist >

Oluwasanmi Adesiyan Oluwasanmi Adesiyan, is a self-taught Nigerian artist whose figurative works explore the joys, struggles, and memories of growing up in Nigeria. Using a distinctive scribble technique with ballpoint pen, alongside other media like acrylic and crayon, Adesiyan creates intricate portraits that evoke nostalgia and emotional depth. Inspired by childhood experiences and the influence of his artist uncle, his art captures the essence of everyday life, offering viewers a reflective connection to their own stories. Through delicate lines and textures, Adesiyan’s works resonate with themes of resilience, simplicity, and the beauty of formative years. Little Mary, 2021 Ink on paper In good hands, 2022 Ink on paper Scholars, 2024 Ink on paper Little Friend, 2024 Ink on paper Come along, 2021 Ink on paper Our playground, 2024 Ink on paper Previous Next Connect with the Artist >

Monthly spotlights on three contemporary artists of African and Caribbean heritage. Monthly Spotlights Each month, THE.CCART spotlights artists shaping the future of contemporary art across Africa and its diaspora. Through interviews, features, and creative storytelling, we highlight their practice, perspective, and presence within today’s creative landscape. Gloria Mmaduako Discover Muideen Abdulkadir Discover Hammed Abolaji Oba Discover Past Monthly Spotlights Discover artists who’ve previously been part of our spotlight series, each bringing a unique perspective to contemporary art. View All Featured Artists Subscribe to our newsletter Email Subscribe Thanks for subscribing!

Discover past exhibitions featuring African and Caribbean contemporary artists. Past Exhibitions Past exhibitions which showcased artwork by artists from African and Caribbean heritage. Modupeola Fadugba: Of Movement, Materials and Methods 22 May – 29 June 2025 Gallery 1957, London More info Learn more Noah Davis 6 February – 11 May 2025 Barbican Art Gallery More info Learn more Mickalene Thomas: All About Love 11 February – 5 May 2025 Hayward Gallery More info Learn more Kwesi Botchway: The Sun Must Come Down Part II 13 March – 3 May 2025 Gallery 1957 More info Learn more Dada Khanyisa: this is for you 26 February – 12 April 2025 Sadie Coles HQ More info Learn more Amoako Boafo: I Do Not Come to You by Chance Thu 10 Apr Gagosian More info Learn more A Conscious Relation: Body/Mind/Movement 6 February – 22 March 2025 Tiwani Contemporary More info Learn more Misheck Masamvu: Mubato (The Handle) 6 February – 15 March 2025 Goodman Gallery More info Learn more Ameh Egwuh: Pink // Blue 30 January – 7 March 2025 Rele London More info Learn more Lauren Halsey: emajendat 11 October 2024 – 23 February 2025 Serpentine South Gallery More info Learn more Zanele Muholi 6 June – 26 January 2025 Tate Modern More info Learn more Eddy Kamuanga Ilunga: Nature Morte 14 November – 25 January 2025 October Gallery More info Learn more Deborah Segun: A Moment To Myself 22 November 2024 - 12 January 2025 Saatchi Gallery More info Learn more Samuel Nnorom: Multitude or Minority 19 October – 24 November Saatchi Gallery More info Learn more Tiffanie Delune: The Geography of Feelings 3 October – 21 November Gallery 1957 More info Learn more Kalaeb Abate & Dr. Hassan Aliyu: More Than Meets the Eye 8 October – 16 November Rele London More info Learn more Alexis Peskine: Forest Figures 3 October – 9 November October Gallery More info Learn more Malik Roberts: The Double Up 13 September – 26 October D'Stassi Art More info Learn more Load More Subscribe to our newsletter Email Subscribe Thanks for subscribing!

Gideon Niikoi Kotey (Deon Art) Gideon Niikoi Kotey, also known as Deon Art, is a Ghanaian artist whose figurative portraits and landscapes are rooted in cultural identity and tradition. Based in Accra, his work draws on scenes from everyday life and the rich visual language of African heritage. Raised in a creative home with early guidance from his father, Kotey’s practice centres on honouring and preserving African customs, particularly through depictions of attire, rituals and symbolism unique to different tribes. His paintings aim to reconnect viewers with a sense of cultural pride while offering insight into stories that words alone cannot express. Each work invites reflection on the continuity between past and present, blending storytelling and symbolism to capture the spirit of African people and traditions. SISA WADWEN NA WO MM)DENBO NSISA, 2025 Acrylic, photo transfer, fabric transfer, oil paint, charcoal, ink and fabric on canvas I Pledge as an African Oil paint, Acrylic, fabric transfers, and photo transfer on canvas OBAA YAA, 2025 Acrylic on canvas Nea mabusua b3di nti, 2025 Acrylic, oil, charcoal, African print fabric and photo transfers on canvas Can I also call myself Black? 2025 Acrylic, oil paint and fabric transfers Previous Next Connect with the Artist >

Amatullah Alhassan Amatullah Alhassan is a Nigerian artist whose practice is shaped by self-expression, memory, and the emotional depth of Black womanhood. Self-taught and driven by curiosity, she began painting seriously in 2020, developing a visual language that moves beyond realism into something more personal and instinctive. Her work often centres Black women adorned in head ties and traditional dress, using geometry and layered lines to bring structure to emotion, imagination, and inner complexity. Rooted in culture and lived experience, her paintings reflect pride, softness, and identity, while recurring elements such as sunflowers introduce hope, joy, and renewal. Through motherhood, migration, and memory, Amatullah creates work that feels intimate, grounded, and deeply connected to the beauty of being seen. Sisterhood Acrylic on canvas, 120 x 100 cm Sunflower lady Acrylic on canvas, 120 x 100 cm My mother Acrylic on canvas, 120 x 100 cm Beat your own drum Acrylic on canvas, 120 x 100 cm Queen of pentacles 120 x 90cm Previous Next Connect with the Artist >

Monthly spotlights on three contemporary artists of African and Caribbean heritage. Interviews | THE.CC ART Conversations with artists on practice, process, and perspective. VISIT YOUTUBE > All Videos Play Video Play Video 28:15 Yvadney Davis – ‘My Art Is a Visual Archive’ | Artist Interview | THE.CCART British-Caribbean artist Yvadney Davis reflects on returning to painting after a career in fashion, and how rediscovering art during the pandemic reshaped her practice and purpose. Working primarily with oil, collage, wallpaper and beadwork, Yvadney’s paintings act as a visual archive of Black British Caribbean life in the UK. Drawing from family history, memory and lived experience, her work explores home, belonging, identity and the emotional inheritance passed through generations. — Connect with THE.CCART 📸 https://www.instagram.com/the.ccart/ 🌍 https://www.theccart.com — ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – Intro 00:19 – Art Journey 02:36 – Identity 03:44 – Windrush 06:35 – Using wallpaper, collage and memory 09:26 – Art Process 12:46 – Favourite Artwork 16:07 – Connecting with work 17:33 – Motherhood 20:42 – Challenges 21:30 – Imposter Syndrome 22:33 – Staying Committed 25:06 – Motivation 25:40 – Future Planes 27:15 – Final reflections #art #artist #blackbritishart #caribbeandiaspora #contemporaryart #THECCART Play Video Play Video 04:15 Eshinlokun Wasiu – 'When You See My Art, You See Me' | Artist Interview | THE.CCART In this interview, Lagos-based artist Eshinlokun Wasiu opens up about his creative journey, his mother’s encouragement, and how art became both his outlet and his way of connecting with others. 🎨 Working primarily with acrylic and charcoal, Wasiu explores human connection and resilience through his signature silhouette figures. His work reflects shared experiences, challenges, and emotions — reminding us that, regardless of background, we all stem from the same roots. 💬 Hear Wasiu discuss the meaning behind his technique, the challenges of reaching new audiences, and why staying focused is essential for any artist building their path. — Follow Wasiu Eshinlokun 📸 / https://www.instagram.com/eshinlokunwasiu Connect with THE.CCART 📸 / https://www.instagram.com/the.ccart 🌍 https://www.theccart.com Play Video Play Video 10:37 Jayeola Joshua – ‘The Audacity to Dream Big’ | Artist Interview | THE.CCART In this candid interview, Nigerian artist Jayeola Joshua opens up about his journey from childhood sketches on the backs of calendars to becoming a painter exploring culture, self-identity and personal experience. 🎨 Known for weaving powerful symbolism into his work, Joshua often uses the colour red to express themes of passion, determination and strength. His practice reflects deep cultural values and his evolving identity as an artist. 💬 Hear how studying at Yaba College of Technology shaped his foundation, the story behind one of his most meaningful works Jacob’s Blessing, and why he believes in the audacity to dream big, even through moments of self-doubt. — Follow Jayeola Joshua 📸 https://www.instagram.com/jayeola_joshua_art Connect with THE.CCART 📸 / the.ccart 🌍 https://www.theccart.com — ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – Intro 01:03 – Joshua’s journey into art 03:08 – Moments that shaped him as an artist 04:21 – What keeps him committed 05:10 – Describing his art style 06:05 – Inside his creative process 07:34 – A meaningful artwork: Jacob’s Blessing 08:30 – Challenges as an artist 09:42 – Advice for aspiring artists Play Video Play Video 05:37 Obiwuru Esther – ‘Painting the Beauty of African Women’ | Artist Interview | THE.CCART In this inspiring interview, Nigerian visual artist Obiwuru Esther shares her journey into the art world, from an unexpected beginning at university to establishing herself as a dedicated full-time artist. 🎨 Known for her striking portraits of African women, Obiwuru draws inspiration from traditional hairstyles and cultural essence, using bold patterns and rich shades of red to celebrate identity, strength and beauty. ⚠️ Correction: The caption should refer to 'adire', not red patterns. — Follow Obiwuru Esther 📸 https://www.instagram.com/estherobiwuru_art/ Connect with THE.CCART 📸 https://www.instagram.com/the.ccart 🌍 https://www.theccart.com — ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – Intro 00:15 – Obiwuru’s journey into art 00:54 – Moments that shaped her as an artist 01:40 – What keeps her committed 02:18 – Describing her art style 02:56 – A meaningful artwork: Lady from the South 03:53 – Inside her creative process 04:34 – Biggest challenges as an artist 05:05 – Advice for aspiring artists Play Video Play Video 22:17 Damilare Jamiu Kanyinsola – 'I Live in Inspiration Every Day' | Artist Interview | THE.CCART In this moving interview, Nigerian portrait artist Damilare Jamiu Kanyinsola shares his incredible journey from drawing comics as a child to developing his own practice that celebrates Black identity, mental well-being and cultural beauty. 🎨 Known for his vibrant, emotionally rich portraiture, Damilare reflects on artistic growth, personal loss, mentorship and the challenges facing Nigerian artists today. 💬 Hear how he navigated moments of depression during the 2020 pandemic, what keeps him committed to his practice and the deep personal meaning behind his most treasured work, Allegory of Memories. — Follow Damilare Jamiu 📸 https://www.instagram.com/damilare_jamiu_kanyin Connect with THE.CCART 📸 https://www.instagram.com/the.ccart 🌍 https://www.theccart.com — ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – Intro 00:59 – Damilare’s art journey begins 04:05 – A moment that shaped him 05:34 – What keeps him committed 06:21 – Describing his art style 08:57 – A meaningful artwork: Allegory of Memories 11:12 – Inside his creative process 14:42 – Biggest challenge as a Nigerian artist 18:02 – Future plans and dreams 18:53 – Advice to aspiring artists 21:27 – Why mentorship matters 22:00 – Final thoughts #art #artist #contemporaryart #figurativeart #blackartist #nigerianart #THECCART Subscribe to our newsletter Email Subscribe Thanks for subscribing!

Sabina Silver Sabina Silver, is a Ghanian artist whose work explores the intersections of personal identity and collective memory. Her art reflects experiences of migration, fear, and Blackness, alongside deeper narratives of girlhood and womanhood. Drawing from her Ghanaian heritage, Silver uses red, black, and white as symbols of loss and resilience, creating a dialogue between history and the present. Plants and animals often appear in her work as symbols of healing and renewal, as she creates spaces for reflection and transformation. Silver’s practice focuses on reclaiming forgotten or overlooked stories, particularly those tied to the experiences of women and girls, acknowledging individual and collective wounds. Silver's work opens a space for healing and the possibility of renewal. My big lips dey yarn stories of my forefathers, 2024 Acrylic and oil pastels on textured acid-free paper Nanadɔm Hwe Yɛn (The Ancestors Watch Over Us), 2024 Mixed media on canvas Mogya mu na nkwa wɔ, 2024 Acrylic and oil pastels on textured acid-free paper Poppies of Memory, 2024 Acrylic, oil pastels and foam clay on canvas When I Close My Eyes, I Find Peace Within, 2024 Previous Next Connect with the Artist >

We pride ourselves on our commitment to discovering and showcasing talents by featuring artists of African and Caribbean heritage. About THE.CCART The Cultured Contemporary Art (THE.CCART) is a contemporary art platform and creative studio working across cultural storytelling, projects, and exhibitions, with a focus on artists of African and Caribbean heritage and their global diaspora. Founded by Kunbi Oshodi, THE.CCART was created to make contemporary art more accessible and culturally grounded, opening up space for artists and audiences beyond traditional art-world boundaries. Through digital features, interviews, and curated projects, the platform highlights artists and their work while creating opportunities for dialogue, visibility, and collaboration. Operating across both digital and physical spaces, THE.CCART develops exhibitions, cultural projects, and partnerships with artists and organisations. Its work explores identity, culture, and contemporary expression while expanding how art is encountered and shared. Subscribe to our newsletter Email Subscribe Thanks for subscribing!

Tomiwa Arobieke Tomiwa Arobieke, a Nigerian artist based in Ibadan, draws inspiration from African lifestyles and nature, translating his observations into captivating acrylic paintings. Self-taught and deeply passionate about his craft, Tomiwa's works reflect the beauty of black skin and the interplay between tradition and modernity. Through his art, he invites contemplation on Nigerian history and the dynamics of human relationships, his paintings capturing the essence of his surroundings. Oneness, ca. 2024 Acrylic on canvas Love in Nature, ca. 2024 Acrylic on canvas Companion 2, 2022 Acrylic on canvas Comforter 1, 2022 Acrylic on canvas Companion, 2022 Acrylic on canvas Previous Next Connect with the Artist >