Afrika, whose real name is Sergei Bugaev, is a renowned Russian artist born on March 28, 1966, in Novorossiysk. In the early 1980s, he relocated to Leningrad, where he became acquainted with influential figures in the local art scene, including painter Timur Novikov and musician Boris Grebenshchikov.
Shortly after his arrival, Afrika adopted his artistic moniker and began to develop his own artistic style. In 1987, he took on the lead role of Bananan in the groundbreaking avant-garde film Assa, directed by Sergei Solovyov.
Throughout his career, Afrika has primarily worked in performance and installation art. One of his most notable projects, "Krimania," commenced with a three-week performance at a mental institution in Simferopol, Crimea, where he eventually staged an exhibition for the patients and staff.
The second component of the project, "Krimania: Icons, Monuments, Mazáfaka," was a major exhibition held at the Museum of Applied Arts in Vienna (MAK). This work explores the theme of collective versus individual identity of Soviet citizens in the aftermath of the Soviet Union's dissolution.
In 1999, Afrika represented Russia at the 48th Venice Biennale. He currently resides and works in Saint Petersburg, Miami, and New York City.
