AOCA is the first gallery in San Francisco dedicated exclusively to the

Art of Contemporary Africa.

OPENING 7 FEB 2026
find us @ 1275 Minnesota Street Project,
Dogpatch, San Francisco

As the sister gallery to The Melrose Gallery in Johannesburg, AOCA brings the depth, diversity, and dynamism of Pan African Art to the heart of the Bay Area’s cultural landscape.

AOCA is dedicated to championing the global presentation of African art, from iconic figures like Dr Esther Mahlangu to emerging voices defining the next chapter.

We are proud to present our stable of Pan African artists.

We are proud to present our stable of Pan African artists.

From bold abstraction to politically charged expression, from sculpture and photography to immersive installations, AOCA celebrates the voices shaping Africa’s contemporary story. Our exhibitions and participation in International art fairs create powerful encounters that resonate across cultures and spark dialogue on a global stage.

As the exclusive global representatives of Dr Esther Mahlangu, one of Africa’s most iconic artists, we are committed to championing the leading and emerging voices defining Africa’s cultural future.

View our artists here
Dr. Esther Mahlangu

Dr. Esther Mahlangu
Clint Strydom

Clint Strydom
Ayanda Mabulu

Ayanda Mabulu
Samuel Allerton

Samuel Allerton
Gallery poster for Art of Contemporary Africa exhibition with details of opening, VIP launch, , featuring Samuel Allerton bronze sculpture, gorilla called Rogue
People line up outside the Scope International Contemporary Art Show at Miami Beach, with a backdrop of a building and palm tree. The event promotes an upcoming return to Miami Art Week and features six South African artists: Ayanda Mabulu, Esther Ma
Online Exhibition for 'Ain't that America,' a photographic series by Clint Strydom at SCOPE Art Fair, South Beach Miami, December 2-7, 2025, featuring a layered image of Miami waterfront with palm trees, boats, and a painted basketball court.
Art exhibition at The Melrose gallery in Johannesburg South Africa featuring sculptures and contemporary colorful abstract paintings by African artists
the 'Giants' art collection from Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys exhibition, featuring a colorful geometric artwork of Dr. Esther Mahlangu in traditional Ndebele design and text describing the collection at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.
Colorful geometric mural in traditional Ndebele design by acclaimed visual artist, Dr. Esther Mahlangu at the Serpentine Museum, North garden in London United Kingdom

International Art Fairs and Projects

We’re always looking for opportunities to ensure our artists voices are represented and heard beyond borders

View art fair participation here
Cape Town International Art Fair featuring celebrated African artists, Clint Strydom, Dr. Esther Mahlangu, Pascal Konan, Dr. Willie bester, Dr. Noria Mabasa, Aza Mansongi

Exhibitions & Projects

View here
A colorful geometric art piece with symmetrical patterns in pink, yellow, green, blue, black, and white, displayed in a gallery window with the text 'The Light We Carry: A group exhibition' on the glass.
An elderly woman in traditional Maasai attire standing inside a museum, in front of a colorful geometric-patterned vehicle, with a pink sign that reads "Then I knew I was good at painting" Esther Mahlangu, a retrospective.

The Light We Carry, a group exhibition at The Melrose Gallery in South Africa

Hand holding a book titled 'Art from the Dean Collection of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys' in front of a colorful geometric background.

Then I knew I was good at painting, Esther Mahlangu, a Retrospective

The Giants collection, Alicia Keys & Swizz Beats, featuring Esther Mahlangu

Large outdoor artwork featuring geometric patterns and shapes in bright colors including pink, blue, yellow, green, red, and purple, set against a partly cloudy sky with greenery in the foreground.
Poster promoting an art exhibition titled 'Hukanisa Uhlanganise' featuring traditional Zulu braided patterns in vibrant colors, with details of the exhibition dates from April 13 to May 25, 2025, at The Melrose Gallery.

Esther Mahlangu’s mural at Serpentine North, London

Photograph of a man standing in front of a row of small, cell-like rooms with peeling paint on their walls.

Esther Mahlangu inspires a new guard of young African artists in group show

Clint Strydom’s Hidden Shadows of Constitution Hill, featured in Sunday Times