Founded in 2021 by Sorbonne-trained art historian Olivia Barrell, Art Formes is the first African gallery purely dedicated to contemporary African sculpture; showcasing previously marginalised mediums that have been a rich source of undocumented artistic expression on the African continent. Both gallery and publishing house, Art Formes published its inaugural volume in 2023, CLAY FORMES, on clay and ceramics within contemporary South African art. 2025 saw the opening of the Art Formes gallery space, situated in the historical setting of The Old Biscuit Mill in Woodstock, Cape Town. Although relatively new on the contemporary African art scene, Art Formes has already become the pioneering voice on contemporary African clay; spearheading a growing appreciation for this sculptural medium, both amongst local and international audiences.