As the second decade of the twenty-first century progresses, contemporary African art continues to break beyond borders and conquer and take root on new grounds away from the African continent. In the most recent example of this 21st-century renaissance, the country of Malta in the central Mediterranean region of Europe is being introduced to the immense essence and aura of African art.

This introduction is in the form of an exhibition titled Paved Road, which is ongoing at the Christine X Art Gallery in Tigné Street, Sliema. The collection of nineteen (19) artworks on display are by Ethiopian painter Dawit Adnew. The artist’s works are greatly influenced by the work of French impressionist artist Paul Gauguin which is evident in Adnew’s use of vibrant colors that seek harmony among an array of colors and how the figures in his paintings are set against the complementary blues and greens of the tropical scenery. The one deviation is that Adnew replaces the French artist’s French Polynesian backdrops with backdrops typical to his native Ethiopia.

Adnew’s works are done in acrylic and his vigorous tones and strokes evoke a deep appreciation for the use of patterns in contemporary African art. In addition, Adnew’s figures add their hue to blues and greens with African textile patterns visible in their clothing.

“My inspiration arises from movements I always perceive in patterns, forms, and color,” the artist writes in the exhibition’s catalog.

Another prominent work on display is Adnew’s rendition of the Girl with a Pearl Earring painting by Dutch Golden Age painter Johannes Vermeer.

There has been a great surge in the sales of African art in recent years, with the growth attributed to a growing number of African museums, galleries, and art fairs, which have also expanded to Europe and the US, as well as advances in cultural infrastructure and a developing wealthy class in Africa.

“We are yet to see more development in the contemporary African art market as the African continent continues to develop and more cultural institutions implemented, as Africa’s growing upper-class increases and the wealthy are increasingly turning to art for investment. African art will only continue to become more prevalent, making it the best time to invest in African art,” Christine Xuereb, owner of Christine X Art Gallery, declared.

Adnew has participated in more than 30 group exhibitions and one solo exhibition in Ethiopia and Uganda.

The exhibition will run until November 21.