Retro Africa Rewinds the Future of Pan-African Art in Abuja and Beyond

Retro Africa’s name might sound like a contradiction—how can something be both retro and contemporary? Yet, founder Dolly Kola-Bolagun built her Abuja gallery on the idea that understanding the past is key to shaping the present. By spotlighting artists from across Africa and its diaspora, Retro Africa weaves together heritage and modernity, challenging the notion that tradition and innovation are opposites. The gallery’s exhibitions—like the recent showcase of Malian artists—highlight the diversity of African creativity, from enigmatic paintings to vibrant textiles. Retro Africa’s reach extends far beyond Nigeria, connecting artists and collectors in New York, Hong Kong, and London, and bridging linguistic divides between Anglophone and Francophone communities. For Kola-Bolagun, art is more than aesthetics; it’s a tool for dialogue, a way to transcend colonial boundaries, and a platform for authentic African voices. In this gallery, the past isn’t just remembered—it’s reimagined for a global stage. #PanAfricanArt #RetroAfrica #ContemporaryAfricanArt