Established in 2005 in Newtown in front of the legendary Market Theatre, Afronova later moved to urban Braamfontein and, since 2013, operates from a private space in Parkhurst, one of the busiest areas of Johannesburg. Since its opening, Afronova has held numerous exhibitions by artists from around Africa, the Indian Ocean and the Caribbean’s. By showcasing a series of performances, book launches
and readings, fashion shows, screenings, gathering and artist residencies, the gallery has stayed true to its purpose of being a polyphonic platform for African contemporary expressions. While exploring new insights, Afronova’s collection embraces the visionary moderns and focuses on the young contemporaries. More than a physical space, Afronova is a journey shared with a growing family of artists, partners and friends. It is a vehicle for aesthetics, debates and transformation, circulating artists and practices – a constant dialogue. Afronova’s humble contribution looks at Africa as a politically, economically, spiritually and ethnically heterogeneous tapestry and questions what ties us together, what cements the fragments, what fosters métissage. Without pretending to conduct a comprehensive survey, Afronova patiently draws a faceted picture and with each exhibition opens a new window with a relentless desire to consolidate an original system of value, independent from validation from the West. It is a challenging and rewarding experience driven by the excitement of taking risks and making artistic choices. It has been a rare opportunity to interact with each artist and getting to know each personality and sensibility, as well as enjoying the insight into varying perspectives of such a cosmopolitan public.
