Pan-African Film Festival ArtFest: behind-the-scenes photos

A fixture of Los Angeles culture since 1992, the annual Pan African Film & Arts Festival kicked off February 9 at Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza and will run through February 20. Not even Super Bowl Sunday could keep up PAFF ArtFest Devotees away from the marketplace, where more than 100 artists from around the world displayed fine art, fashion and decoration inspired by the traditions and aesthetics of the African diaspora. Regulars reconnected with their favorite artisans when teens snapped selfies while modeling handmade jewelry, and more than a few shoppers dropped hints of Valentine’s Day gifts from their companions. Times photographer Carolyn Cole meandered through stands crammed with one-of-a-kind statement jewelry, oil paintings, metal sculptures and hand-woven textiles to capture the vibrant scene.

John Onobrakpeya is one of six artists who have traveled from Nigeria to exhibit their artworks at the 2023 Pan African Film & Arts Festival ArtFest at Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza.

(Carolyn Cole/Los Angeles Times)

Nigerian artist John Onobrakpeya was one of the first exhibitors guests saw entering the ArtFest on Sunday. A professional artist for four decades and a member of the Society of Nigerian Artists, he uses acrylic, charcoal, resin and mixed media techniques in his abstract expressionist and impressionist works, creating sculptures and dancing water fountains.

Damola Adepoju from Nigeria stands in front of his painting “Land of Abundance”.

(Carolyn Cole/Los Angeles Times)

“I came for the PAFF on purpose,” said the Lagos-based artist Damola Adepoju, standing in front of his painting Land of Abundance. He traveled to the US with five other Nigerian artists to sell their artworks at the festival, conduct live demonstrations of their craft and participate in art talks. “We hear other people in the diaspora talk about their art and bring the stories of Nigeria to Los Angeles.”

Adepoju, who was at PAFF for his sixth consecutive exhibition, said he was happy to see crowds had returned to the festival, adding that this year’s turnout was a welcome relief.

Artist Marvin “MOA” Obasogie Aimiuwu poses in front of his tie-dye and acrylic painting Lively Journey.

(Carolyn Cole/Los Angeles Times)

Artist Marvin “MOA” Obasogie Aimiuwu stood in front of Lively Journey, a tie-dye and acrylic painting on canvas mounted on heavy canvas, embellished with gold and hung on hand-carved cherry wood. Originally from Nigeria, he lives in Rancho Cucamonga and has been selling his mixed media work at the festival for the past 12 years. “A lot of clients become close friends — they’re more like family,” he said.

Porter Ajayi Olanrewaju from Nigeria stands in front of one of his paintings titled United We Stand.

(Carolyn Cole/Los Angeles Times)

Porter Ajayi Olanrewaju traveled from Lagos, Nigeria to present a table he painted for the art furniture exhibition “All artists have a place at the table” a collaboration between Ikea and seven selected PAFF artists. Here he posed in front of one of his paintings titled “United We Stand,” which was inspired by a speech President Biden gave at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sculptures by artist Woodrow Nash are on display at PAFF ArtFest.

(Carolyn Cole/Los Angeles Times)

The ceramic sculptor’s ethereal tribal stoneware busts from Akron, Ohio Woodrow Nash attracted attention at the center of the festival’s visual arts section.

Fran Washington is attending the PAFF ArtFest on February 12th.

(Carolyn Cole/Los Angeles Times)

Los Angeles native Fran Washington is a longtime festival goer. “I come every year,” she said, noting that on previous visits she had bought African jewelry and a painting for her home. “I always find something I need. Last year I fell in love with a dress and came back to look for it and find it!”

Sylvia “Gbaby” Cohen wears one of her own designs.

(Carolyn Cole/Los Angeles Times)

Sylvia “Gbaby” Cohen, who wears one of her own creations, began selling her hand-painted bags and homeware with inspirational messages at the festival 20 years ago. After a five-year hiatus—moving from LA to Atlanta—she flew back to join the group of close-knit regulars and showcase a chair she painted for the “All artists have a place at the table” Exhibition. Just before this photo was taken, Cohen sold a painting to a Facebook follower she had never met; The transaction caused the artist to get foggy-eyed. “I was just as excited as it moved her,” she explained.

Jonathan Johnson, 40, attends the PAFF ArtFest.

(Carolyn Cole/Los Angeles Times)

On the second floor of ArtFest, Jonathan Johnson browsed the numerous stalls selling African textiles, home decor and wearable art.

Aicha Kone provides and sells textiles at the PAFF ArtFest.

(Carolyn Cole/Los Angeles Times)

Aicha Kone presided over piles of African fabrics she had collected from Mali, Ivory Coast and elsewhere in Africa. Born in Guinea, she lives in Fremont and owns Arts Africains, an imported crafts boutique in Emeryville. Kone started selling their African clothing and personal care products at the festival more than 20 years ago. She said she knows most of the artisans and vendors who attend the festival each year, adding that she sells her imported African textiles to some of the other exhibitors.

Sandra Zebi, who has been attending the festival for 27 years, holds up her painting Baiana.

(Carolyn Cole/Los Angeles Times)

Sandra Zebis, painter and designer of functional ceramics, draws inspiration from the women of her multicultural homeland of Brazil, as seen in this painting Baiana. The Marina del Rey-based artist has been taking part in the festival for 27 years. “What I love here is the community,” she says. “People really support and care about the art; they don’t just buy because they come by.”

Andre Fields, owner of Wanawake Hats, has been bringing his range of sun hats, fedoras and peaked caps to the festival for the past 10 years.

(Carolyn Cole/Los Angeles Times)

Andre Fields, the owner of Wanawake Hats, is originally from Nairobi and now lives in LA. He travels the country – from events in New Orleans and Baltimore to the Brentwood Farmers Market – selling colorful raffia hats handwoven by East African artisans. He has been bringing his range of sun hats, fedoras and peaked caps to the festival for 10 years.

Carolyn Jones and Wesley Carter attended ArtFest for the first time and were attracted by a collection of Cameroonian statues.

(Carolyn Cole/Los Angeles Times)

Local couple Carolyn Jones and Wesley Carter attended ArtFest for the first time and were attracted by a collection of Cameroonian statues on the art floor and the natural oils and soaps sold on the second floor. “I think they should do this all the time because this stuff is so beautiful,” Jones said. “The only time you see vendors like this is during Black History Month.”