New Phenomenaa Gallery — Introducing Contemporary African Art to Warsaw

Last week, in the surroundings of Plac Trzech Krzyży, a new art space opened its doors. At first glance, it could be simply another addition to the city’s growing cultural map. Yet this one carries a different pulse — a new shift in direction.

We are the 20th largest economy in the world [speaking of Poland], and I feel that we are finally beginning to embrace a sense of leadership. (...) At some point I realised that we don’t have a single gallery of international art, of African art, here in Poland… so someone had to bring it in.

Phenomenaa Gallery, founded by Omenaa Mensah, arrives with a desire to bring a new perspective and expand the city’s visual vocabulary. Omenaa is known in the world of art and philanthropy, and as the creator of Top Charity — the largest philanthropic art auction in Europe.

Curated by experience, inspired by Africa

This is the gallery’s motto: a place shaped by experience, history, and the desire to tell stories through art — stories marked by texture, colour, memory, and cultural heritage.

Phenomenaa builds a bridge between Africa and Europe, focusing on contemporary art from Sub-Saharan Africa, the African diaspora, and creators working across disciplines: painting, sculpture, textile, installation, artisanal craftsmanship, and functional design.

African contemporary art is rich in vivid colours, expressive forms, symbols, and rituals. But it is not only about colour — it is also about rhythm, narrative, and a way of seeing the world that broadens our perception.

Warsaw remains the strongest centre of the Polish art market with 87% of turnover, followed by Tricity and Kraków. (...) The report also highlighted the rise of a new generation — nearly half of all paintings sold were by younger artists.

Phenomenaa introduces this emotional palette to Warsaw, giving the city a new way to experience art. As the gallery emphasises, an important part of its vision is “collaboration with artists associated with Top Charity” — continuing Omenaa’s commitment to linking art with meaningful social impact.

A new chapter in the city’s cultural landscape

During her speech at the gallery’s soft opening, Omenaa said: “We are the 20th largest economy in the world [speaking of Poland], and I feel that we are finally beginning to embrace a sense of leadership. As the centre of Europe — even called the ‘tiger of Europe’ by some — we should be creating new narratives and offering inspiration. At some point I realised that we don’t have a single gallery of international art, of African art, here in Poland… so someone had to bring it in.”

With these words, it becomes clear that this niche was waiting to be filled. Until now, there was no gallery in Poland dedicated to contemporary African art.

And according to the June 2025 Artinfo report on the Polish art market in 2024 — after the pandemic and post-pandemic years, the market has stabilised again. Total sales reached 449 million PLN (+2.8% versus 2023), with nearly half generated in Q4 alone, though still below the record highs of 2021–2022. Warsaw remains the strongest centre of the Polish art market with 87% of turnover, followed by Tricity and Kraków.

These numbers show that the market is evolving: more open, more visible, more curious. The report also highlighted the rise of a new generation — nearly half of all paintings sold were by younger artists. It is no longer only about established names, but about bold new stories and perspectives.

While old masters dominated auctions in 2020, the same source shows that contemporary art has now taken the lead, accounting for nearly 70% of all transactions and 66% of the market’s value. I’m curious how the final data for 2025 will compare to the data of 2024.

A city’s cultural landscape is shaped slowly, but every new space and direction subtly influences its rhythm.