Everything begins with Alexander Skunder Boghassian 1937-2003. Undeniably one of the best artists in the world. Skunder has been 5 years dead but little has changed since his passing. He lived life to the full and died drunk and penniless. His constant rejection should be his legacy.
In 1965, Boghassian became the first contemporary African artist to have work purchased by the Museum of Modern Art in New York; his paintings are also in the collections of the National Musuem of Africa Art in Washington DC and the Musee d'Art Moderne in Paris.
Skunder's work pushed the boundaries of art and after seeing a Bonham's catalogue, Exploration, Travel and Topographical Pictures held on Wednesday 21st May 2008 and seeing "The Eye in the Mirror" by this wonderful artist with a guide price of £1,500-£2000 it was then it hit me. We need to create an Artistic Movement. One that denotes the reality of what is happening. The African artists are really being rejected. Rejected by their own country; rejected by International Mainstream Galleries, rejected by established Auction Houses. Their lack of success on the International stage is beyond doubt. What is needed is a dramatic sea-change. A celebration of rejection. Artists can not work for over 20 years and still be ignored. It is time for action. I would like to launch an artistic movement known as the AfriKan Rejects. Over the weekend I was in Camden Market talking with the artist, Mona and she has agreed to be the first Afrikan Reject Artist and so the Movement has started.
Art is a freedom and we should value this freedom beyond all things. I trust all those artists from Africa who are interested in this philosophical movement. Please contact me to be rejected.
The first Exhibition of the work will be held in my house.
Afrikan Rejects | Please Do Not Come!
Dates to be confirmed.
In 1965, Boghassian became the first contemporary African artist to have work purchased by the Museum of Modern Art in New York; his paintings are also in the collections of the National Musuem of Africa Art in Washington DC and the Musee d'Art Moderne in Paris.
Skunder's work pushed the boundaries of art and after seeing a Bonham's catalogue, Exploration, Travel and Topographical Pictures held on Wednesday 21st May 2008 and seeing "The Eye in the Mirror" by this wonderful artist with a guide price of £1,500-£2000 it was then it hit me. We need to create an Artistic Movement. One that denotes the reality of what is happening. The African artists are really being rejected. Rejected by their own country; rejected by International Mainstream Galleries, rejected by established Auction Houses. Their lack of success on the International stage is beyond doubt. What is needed is a dramatic sea-change. A celebration of rejection. Artists can not work for over 20 years and still be ignored. It is time for action. I would like to launch an artistic movement known as the AfriKan Rejects. Over the weekend I was in Camden Market talking with the artist, Mona and she has agreed to be the first Afrikan Reject Artist and so the Movement has started.
Art is a freedom and we should value this freedom beyond all things. I trust all those artists from Africa who are interested in this philosophical movement. Please contact me to be rejected.
The first Exhibition of the work will be held in my house.
Afrikan Rejects | Please Do Not Come!
Dates to be confirmed.
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