Art of Contemporary Africa Opens in San Francisco

New gallery celebrates African artists with inaugural Afropop exhibition

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Art of Contemporary Africa (AOCA) gallery has opened in San Francisco's Dogpatch neighborhood, marking the city's first Pan-African contemporary art gallery. Led by Craig Mark and South African photographer Clint Strydom, AOCA is dedicated to showcasing leading and emerging artists from Africa and the African diaspora. The gallery's inaugural exhibition, Afropop, features a diverse range of artistic practices that are grounded in lived experience while engaging with global contemporary discourse.

Why it matters

The opening of AOCA represents a significant milestone for the Bay Area's arts and culture scene, providing a dedicated platform for African artists to engage with American audiences. San Francisco's strong affinity with South Africa and institutions like the Museum of the African Diaspora make the city an ideal location for the gallery's mission of celebrating the diversity and complexity of contemporary African artistic practice.

The details

AOCA is the sister gallery to The Melrose Gallery in Johannesburg, South Africa, and its program includes acclaimed artists such as Dr. Esther Mahlangu, Ayanda Mabulu, Aza Mansongi, Noria Mabasa, and many others working across painting, sculpture, photography, installation, and mixed media. The Afropop exhibition, which opens tonight, embraces the multiplicity of African art, highlighting practices that are materially inventive, conceptually rigorous, and visually compelling.

  • AOCA opens its doors on February 12, 2026.
  • The gallery's inaugural exhibition, Afropop, opens tonight, Thursday, February 12th, 2026, with a welcome party from 6:30-9:30pm.

The players

Art of Contemporary Africa (AOCA)

The first Pan-African contemporary art gallery in San Francisco, founded by gallerist Craig Mark and artist Clint Strydom in 2026. AOCA is the sister gallery to The Melrose Gallery in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Craig Mark

The gallery director of AOCA, who has been based in San Francisco for the past two years and cites a strong affinity between the city and South Africa.

Clint Strydom

The acclaimed South African photographer who co-founded AOCA with Craig Mark.

Dr. Esther Mahlangu

One of the most significant living artists from the African continent, who is globally represented by AOCA.

Azu Nwagbogu

A speaker at the Afropop exhibition opening.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“In South Africa, we embrace ubuntu, meaning 'I am because you are.' It celebrates the spirit of our shared humanity, connectedness, and collective responsibility. San Francisco practices that spirit every day, and it's a big reason why we made this city our home.”

— Craig Mark, Gallery Director

What’s next

AOCA will celebrate its opening and first exhibition tonight, Thursday, February 12th, 2026, with a welcome party from 6:30-9:30pm. To join, RSVP at: rsvp@aocaart.com.

The takeaway

The opening of AOCA represents a significant milestone for San Francisco's arts and culture scene, providing a dedicated platform for African artists to engage with American audiences and showcase the diversity and complexity of contemporary African artistic practice.