The global demand for contemporary African art has surged dramatically in recent years, signaling a shift in how the world views and values the continent’s creative output. This growing interest is reflected in the heightened activity across major auction houses, where African artists are gaining prominent recognition. Bonhams, Olympia, and Sotheby’s have been instrumental in this evolution, not only presenting dedicated African art sales but also seamlessly integrating African artists into high-profile international auctions. This movement highlights the increasing appreciation of African art’s diversity, cultural depth, and contemporary relevance.
Bonhams:
Bonhams’ African Modern & Contemporary Art department has cemented its position as a leading platform for showcasing exceptional works by African artists. The department’s auctions have consistently yielded impressive results, with numerous pieces surpassing their estimates. Bonhams has consistently demonstrated its commitment to promoting contemporary African art through this dedicated department. This platform has become a hub for artists, collectors, and enthusiasts alike, showcasing the diverse talents and stories emerging from the continent. Its next Modern and Contemporary African Art auction is scheduled to take place on March 20th, 2025, in London, New Bond Street. Although the catalogue is not yet available, we can expect to see an impressive lineup of artists and their works.
A standout example is Ben Enwonwu’s Yoruba Woman in Blue, which fetched £686,200, more than doubling its estimated value. William Kentridge’s Soho in Bed with Rhinoceros also garnered significant attention, selling for £630,300. Likewise, the department’s October 2024 auction was a resounding success, with 76 lots realizing £2,439,400. The sale was characterized by fierce bidding, particularly for works by South African and Nigerian artists. Irma Stern’s Zululand was a top performer, achieving £508,400, while William Kentridge’s Monument I fetched £483,000, surpassing its estimate. Ben Enwonwu’s FESTAC’77 which sold for £444,900, and Ogolo reached £245,000, beating its top estimate. Marlene Dumas’s Billy Holiday (1993) also drew significant interest, achieving £152,000. The auction’s success underscores the growing demand for contemporary African art, as well as the department’s commitment to showcasing exceptional works by African artists.
Bonhams’ African Modern & Contemporary Art department has consistently broken records, demonstrating the growing interest and demand for African art globally. The auction house has witnessed a significant increase in sales, with many works exceeding their estimated values. As the market continues to evolve, Bonhams remains committed to promoting contemporary African art, providing a platform for artists to gain international recognition and for collectors to discover new talents.
If you’d like to discover the value of your art or object, you can get a complimentary auction estimate from Bonhams. To initiate the process, submit your item today and their experts will review its suitability for sale. If it’s a good fit, they’ll provide a preliminary auction estimate.
Sotheby’s:
Sotheby’s African Modern & Contemporary Art department is at the forefront of promoting and celebrating the works of African artists across the diaspora. In collaboration with The Royal College of Art’s Africa Society, on the 15th of March, 2024, the department hosted Voices of Transformation, a groundbreaking panel discussion and exhibition event in London. It converges creative visionaries – young artists, designers, and art enthusiasts – to delve into the intersections of cultural identity, institutional transformation, and the transformative power of emerging voices in reshaping the cultural narrative. The event boasted a formidable lineup of distinguished speakers, including Alayo Akinkugbe, Myles Igwebuike, and Nana Biamah-Ofosu, each lending their unique voice to the evolving cultural discourse. A highlight of the event was Myles Igwebuike’s mesmerizing soundscape, “Ndu Ka,” expertly crafted to harmonize with the Modern and Contemporary African Art Exhibition.
Sotheby’s African Modern & Contemporary Art department continues to champion diversity, inclusivity, and innovation, providing a platform for emerging artists like Slawn (Olaolu Akeredolu-Ale) and Yinka Ilori, who are pushing the boundaries of contemporary art. At just 23, Slawn has already left an indelible mark on the art world, fusing transatlantic Black culture and urban sensibilities to create a distinctive visual language. A trailblazer in every sense, he made history as the youngest and first Nigerian-born artist to design the prestigious BRIT Awards. With a style that echoes the legendary Jean-Michel Basquiat, Slawn has rapidly risen to prominence in London’s creative circles and the global contemporary art scene, blending disparate cultural threads to craft a bold, humorous, and unapologetically subversive artistic vision. Two pieces by Slawn are featured in the ongoing Contemporary Discoveries auction (lot 64), estimated at £5,000-£7,000, with bidding set to close on the 24th of January, 2025.
Yinka Ilori, a British-Nigerian artist and designer, has also made a significant impact with his bold and playful designs. Recently, he transformed Sotheby’s Café with his unique aesthetic, creating a vibrant and immersive environment that celebrates the diverse creative talents that have made London their home. Ilori’s work often explores themes of identity, culture, and community, drawing on his Nigerian heritage and British upbringing. His designs, including a bespoke large-scale trophy titled “Places That Build Their Dreams,” pay tribute to the lives of immigrant families in the UK and celebrate their profound impact on British culture.
Sotheby’s Modern & Contemporary African Art auctions have recently showcased exceptional works by African artists. In the auction held in London from September 20th to 27th, 2024, Irma Stern’s Lady of the Harem sold for £960,000, followed by Ben Enwonwu’s Nigerian Beauty at £144,000, and another of his works, The Emir in Council, at £90,000. Elias Sime’s Tightrope: Split In Half sold for £72,000. An earlier auction, held in London from March 14th to 21st, 2024, also featured notable sales. Amoako Boafo’s Untitled piece sold for £95,250, exceeding its estimate. Eddy Kamuanga Ilunga’s Lolendo sold for £82,550, also above estimate. Pascale Marthine Tayou’s Chalk E sold for £53,340. These sales, besides those of established masters like Irma Stern, Mohammed Melehi, and Ben Enwonwu, demonstrate the growing recognition and appreciation of Modern and Contemporary African Art.
Sotheby’s offers complimentary valuations for art and objects suitable for their auctions. To receive preliminary guidance from their global network of specialists, you can visit their website. They aim to respond to inquiries within 15-20 working days.
Olympia:
Olympia Auction House is a prominent London-based auction house, home to a distinguished Modern and Contemporary African and Middle Eastern Art department that has driven growth and expertise in this market over the past 15 years. Under the expertise of Janet Rady, this department has been making waves with its inaugural auctions, featuring celebrated artists and emerging talent from the region. Their Modern and Contemporary African and Middle Eastern Art auctions showcase a diverse range of works, including paintings, sculptures, and other mediums. These auctions have become a significant platform for artists from Africa and the Middle East to gain international recognition.
Olympia Auction House has established itself as a leading platform for the sale of contemporary African art, with auctions taking place throughout the year. For instance, their upcoming Modern and Contemporary African and Middle Eastern Art auction is scheduled for May 7, 2025. The auction house’s commitment to expertise and research is evident in their meticulous cataloging and valuation processes. Their team of specialists works closely and enthusiastically with clients to ensure that each item is accurately valued and presented to potential buyers.
Noteworthy highlights from Olympia Auction House’s Modern and Contemporary African and Middle Eastern Art department include the captivating sale of The African Wizard by Hamed Nada, which achieved £16,000, alongside an Untitled piece by Ablade Glover, fetching £6,000 during the May 1, 2024, auction. Equally striking was Famakan Magassa’s Chantons La Takamba, which resonated with bidders, closing at £4,000.
A complimentary valuation can be arranged with Olympia Auction House’s experts. You are welcome to visit their offices by appointment, Monday through Sunday, or drop by on Tuesdays between 10 a.m – 5 p.m. Alternatively, you can submit photos and details on their website. Their specialists will provide personalized guidance to ensure exceptional results. They invite collectors to join their curated auctions, talks, and pre-sale views, where their multilingual staff will guide participants through the auction process.
