African Contemporary Art at Liste Art Fair Basel 2026
by Oluchi Onyekwusi Jun 11, 2026
The 2026 edition of Liste Art Fair Basel 2026 brings together 105 galleries from 36 countries, reaffirming its position as one of the world’s most influential platforms for discovering emerging voices in contemporary art. Taking place from 15–21 June at Messe Basel, the fair continues to serve as a vital meeting point for artists, galleries, collectors, curators, critics and art enthusiasts from across the globe.
Known for championing new artistic perspectives and fostering meaningful dialogue, Liste offers a focused environment where visitors can engage with innovative practices and explore some of the most pressing themes shaping contemporary art today. Beyond its role as a marketplace, the fair remains a space for connection, exchange and critical reflection.
This year, African contemporary art is represented by two galleries: Addis Fine Art from Ethiopia and Afriart Gallery from Uganda. Both galleries have chosen to present solo exhibitions, providing audiences with an opportunity to engage deeply with the work of a single artist.
Addis Fine Art presents a solo booth dedicated to the work of Amel Bashier. Through intricate pen-and-ink and pointillist paintings, Bashier explores themes of migration, memory and ancestral resilience. Drawing from Nubian, Hadendoa and coastal Sudanese lineages, her practice reflects on the complexities of identity and belonging while honouring the cultural histories that continue to shape contemporary experiences. Her meticulous mark-making and layered compositions invite viewers into narratives that bridge personal memory and collective heritage.
Meanwhile, Afriart Gallery showcases recent works by Fiker Solomon, whose practice examines embodied experiences and humanity’s relationship with the natural environment. Solomon is known for creating immersive installations and large-scale tapestries using locally sourced materials such as sisal, palm leaves and jute sacks. Through these works, she explores emotional and ecological landscapes, encouraging reflection on the interconnectedness of people, place and nature. Her material choices further underscore themes of sustainability, transformation and coexistence.
Together, these presentations highlight the richness and diversity of contemporary artistic practices emerging from Africa. While distinct in medium and approach, both artists engage with questions of identity, memory, environment and belonging—subjects that resonate far beyond geographical boundaries and contribute to broader global conversations.
As Liste Art Fair Basel 2026 opens its doors, the presence of Addis Fine Art and Afriart Gallery offers visitors an opportunity to encounter compelling artistic perspectives that reflect the dynamism and evolving narratives of contemporary African art. Their participation not only enriches the fair’s international programme but also underscores the growing visibility and influence of African artists within the global art landscape.
The fair runs from 15 to 21 June 2026 in Hall 1.1 at Messe Basel, bringing together artists and galleries whose practices continue to shape the future of contemporary art.
