A platform dedicated to
contemporary African art
and its market.
Art Kelen brings together an online gallery, a space for exchange and discovery, and a research desk devoted to contemporary African art, led by the curator Daffa Konaté. The platform connects artists and collectors around selected works, and each month offers a reading of how the market is moving.
The curator behind Art Kelen
Contemporary African art, brought together in one place.
Contemporary African art should take its full place on the international stage.
Independent curator, cultural consultant and founder of Art Kelen, Daffa Konaté creates exhibitions and cultural projects around contemporary African art. Her work brings together curation, programming and support for artists, with projects across Africa, Europe and the Middle East.
Art Kelen CircleAugState of Contemporary African Art
Monthly report
The August 2026 edition · Publishing 15 September
The market, month by month.
Each month, the State of the Industry Report reads the shifts in contemporary African art: market, galleries, institutions, funding, restitution and the dates that matter. Documented analysis, built on sourced data. Published each month with the Circle Letter.
Same price either way. One edition costs €5. The Circle costs €5 a month and carries every edition, alongside the Art Kelen Letter, early access and Circle pricing.
Works available now
Discover the works →A selection of original works by artists from across the continent and the diaspora. Every artist is chosen by Art Kelen for the singularity and quality of their work.
Three ways into Art Kelen
The latest publications
Read all editorial →Reflections, artist profiles and conversations on contemporary African creation.
What people say about Art Kelen
Read all reviews →Collectors, artists and visitors share their experience of Art Kelen.
I highly recommend Art Kellen! As someone proud of her African roots, I truly believe in the value they bring in promoting Africa through its art and culture. Art Kellen smartly showcases Africa and its vast rich heritage by connecting passionate artists and their authentic handmade art pieces with art lovers around the world. Beyond promoting Africa through its remarkable collection of art pieces, Art Kelen involves the community through educational initiatives, engaging events and public conversational exchange about the beauty of discovering Africa and its people through art and culture. It's a space that celebrates Africa's diversity through creative expression and fosters more understanding and appreciation. A must visit!
What is the Art Kelen Circle?
A community for collectors, professionals and enthusiasts who want to deepen their understanding of contemporary African art and its market.
Each month, Daffa shares a personal letter on her discoveries, her thinking and her projects, alongside the monthly Art Kelen report on how the sector is moving. Members also see new artists in preview, enter Virtual Gallery exhibitions at no charge, and benefit from member pricing.
Everything in the Circle is conceived and developed by Daffa, as an extension of the curatorial work Art Kelen carries.
or €50 / year, two months free. Cancel anytime.
- The Art Kelen Letter, monthly
- The monthly Art Kelen report, in full
- Preview access to new artists and new works
- Free entry to Virtual Gallery exhibitions
- Member pricing on a selection of works