Bisi Silva

Definition

Bisi Silva is a prominent Nigerian curator, art historian, and cultural advocate known for her significant contributions to contemporary art in Africa, particularly in the context of auction houses and gallery systems in Asia. She founded the Art Twenty One Gallery in Lagos, which has become a vital platform for promoting African artists both locally and internationally. Silva's work emphasizes the importance of global representation and market accessibility for African art within the expanding art markets of Asia.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Bisi Silva is recognized for her efforts in bridging the gap between African artists and international markets, particularly in Asia.
2. Her gallery in Lagos has hosted numerous exhibitions showcasing both established and emerging African artists, enhancing their visibility.
3. Silva has played a key role in art fairs and events that connect African art with global collectors, fostering new relationships.
4. She is an advocate for inclusivity within the art community, pushing for diverse narratives to be represented in galleries and auction houses.
5. Through her initiatives, Silva has significantly influenced the perception of African art within global markets, encouraging more auction houses to consider African pieces.

Review Questions

• How has Bisi Silva impacted the representation of African artists in global art markets?
  • Bisi Silva has significantly impacted the representation of African artists by founding the Art Twenty One Gallery in Lagos, which promotes both established and emerging talents. Her efforts have helped to bridge the gap between African artists and international collectors, especially within Asian markets. By advocating for inclusivity and visibility, Silva has encouraged more auction houses to recognize and feature African art, leading to greater appreciation and understanding of its value.
• Discuss the role of Bisi Silva in enhancing the accessibility of African contemporary art within auction houses and gallery systems.
  • Bisi Silva has played a pivotal role in enhancing accessibility to African contemporary art by actively curating exhibitions that showcase diverse narratives from the continent. Her gallery serves as a platform that connects African artists with global audiences, making their work more accessible to collectors. Additionally, Silva’s participation in international art fairs has opened up avenues for collaboration between African artists and major auction houses, further integrating them into the global art market.
• Evaluate how Bisi Silva's initiatives influence future trends in the Asian art market regarding African contemporary art.
  • Bisi Silva's initiatives are likely to shape future trends in the Asian art market by fostering greater awareness and appreciation for African contemporary art. Her emphasis on representation encourages auction houses to diversify their offerings, leading to an increase in interest from collectors seeking unique pieces that reflect broader cultural narratives. As more Asian galleries look to incorporate African artists into their collections, this can create a ripple effect that elevates the status of African contemporary art on a global scale.

Related terms

Contemporary African Art: Art produced by artists from Africa or the African diaspora that addresses contemporary issues and incorporates modern techniques and themes.

Art Market: The economic system surrounding the buying, selling, and trading of artworks, including galleries, auction houses, and online platforms.

Curation: The act of selecting, organizing, and presenting artworks or exhibitions, often reflecting a specific theme or concept.