Essé Dabla-Attikpo on Africa's Evolving Art Scene

Artists push us to question and engage with the world around us, but their art and their creative process are frequently met with skepticism. African artists know this dynamic all too well. “This no be art” (Ghanaian pidgin for “this is not art”) is a phrase all too often heard at exhibitions and galleries. But a growing number of artists and curators have set out to change that. From ArtxLagos to 1:54 Contemporary Art Fair, new platforms presenting the best and brightest of today’s African artists are rapidly emerging. A young generation, a large diaspora, and rising recognition of the cultural and economic value of African art are fueling a growing collector base. And Essé Dabla-Attikpo is helping consumers and creatives capitalise on this moment. In this episode of Afro-Catalyst, we speak to Essé Dabla-Attikpo, a Togolese-Beninese art consultant, cultural producer, and curator about her efforts to make art accessible to all through her platform This No Be Art.