Today marks the last day of a Sotheby’s visit to Lagos. Hannah O’Leary, the Director of Modern and Contemporary African art at the auction house has been meeting with collectors and offering confidential valuations, highlighting the rising value of the market
Following the establishment of the department in 2016, Sotheby’s has set world records for 35 important artists from the African continent, and many more from the African Diaspora. These records include ‘Crash Willy’ by Yinka Shonibare MBE, which sold for $290,149 USD, and ‘Paths to the Okro Farm’ by El Anatsui, hammered down at $1,445,000.
The most recent records, set at the contemporary art sales in New York last month, include Toyin Ojih Odutola’s ‘From A Place of Goodness,’ which closed at $62,500 USD, and Njideka Akunyili Crosby’s ‘Bush Babies,’ which sold for $3,375,000.
Akunyili Crosby, whose ‘breakout’ solo show at Victoria Miro Gallery featured in this magazine in 2016, is now the most valuable Nigerian artist, and one of the most valuable female artists of all time.
A significant world record for the African Diaspora was also set at Sotheby’s last month — the sale of Kerry James Marshall’s ‘Past Times’at $21,114,500, and Marshall’s very high-profile successful bidder — signal a pivotal moment for artists and collectors of African descent.
“We are seeing a monumental shift in the art market towards greater diversity and a surge in interest in contemporary art from Africa. Of course Nigeria is leading the way,” offered O’Leary. “Our African auctions see bidding from every corner of the globe, and we are proud to promote the very best art to an international audience.”
For further details visit sothebys.com. Valuation enquiries canbe sent by e-mailto
Jennyfer Ideh
