African contemporary art is experiencing a transformative moment, with artists from the continent gaining significant recognition in the global art market. Estimated and selling prices at a recent Sotheby auction in London highlight the growing international interest in the continent’s artists.
When Ethiopian-born artist Julie Mehretu set a new record for an African-born artist last November with her painting, ‘Walkers with the Dawn and Morning’, the price trumpeted a growing interest in African contemporary art.
Prices at a Sotheby’s Auction in London on September 27 appear to confirm the trend, with notable works by African artists like Ben Enwonwu on sale and some works reaching higher than anticipated prices.
The auction also offered work by South African-born artist Irma Stern and outstanding works by several artists who appeared at this year’s Venice Biennale, including Elias Sime, Toyin Ojih Odutola, Tunji Adeniyi-Jones, William Kentridge, Gerard Sekoto, Esther Mahlangu, Uche Okeke, and others.
While some pieces did not attract buyers at the auction, the following is a list of the ten most expensive contemporary African artworks featured at the Sotheby’s London auction, according to the auction website.
Lady of the Harem by Irma Stern
Irma Stern’s “Lady of the Harem,” an oil on canvas from 1946, is a striking depiction of a Zanzibari woman in traditional attire, with henna patterns subtly hinted on her hands and feet. According to Sothebys.com, the painting captures the “intricate cultural rituals within harems, including adornment with gold and henna, reflective of women’s limited agency and status in post-slavery Zanzibar”. Strauss
Art’s website shows that it was acquired from Roza van Gelderen around 1950 and has remained private. Stern’s work conveys the layered histories of Zanzibar and its women. The artwork’s target price was £600,000 to £800,000, but the piece cost more than £960,000. According to the organisers, this is the highest result at an African Art auction for the last three years.
Nigerian Beauty by Ben Enwonwu
Ben Enwonwu’s Nigerian Beauty (1959) is a striking oil painting that captures the elegance and the symbolism of a nation on the verge of independence. According to Google Arts and Culture, the artwork was painted just before Nigeria gained independence in 1960, reflecting the country’s pride, optimism, and emerging identity. The anticipated price range for the artwork at the auction ranged between £100,000 and £150,000, with the final price reaching the upper end of the scale at £144000.
The Emir in Council by Ben Enwonwu
The Emir in Council (1945-1959) is also a recent discovery artwork, and the oil work captures a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s transition from colonial rule to independence. The artwork depicts the Emir of Kano presiding over his council, juxtaposed with British colonial officers, highlighting the complex power dynamics of the era, according to artnet.net. Enwonwu’s masterful blend of Western techniques and African aesthetics reflects his role in shaping Nigeria’s cultural identity. This piece’s value was estimated to range between £70,000 – £90,000. It fetched £90,000 at the auction.
Tightrope: Split In Half, 2017 by Elias Sime
Elias Sime’s Tightrope: Split In Half (2017) utilizes reclaimed electronic components, showcasing the artist’s innovative use of e-waste sourced from Addis Ababa’s Minalesh Tera Market. According to the Wellin Museum of Art, this piece, part of the Tightrope series, reflects Sime’s belief in the stories embedded in discarded materials, highlighting themes of global interdependence and the impact of technology on society. Through the intricate interweaving of wires, Sime invites viewers to explore the delicate balance between technological advancement and its consequences, reinforcing his critique of our interconnected world. Its value was estimated at between £70,000 and £90,000, and the piece sold for £72000.
Tightrope: Squeezed In, 2017 by Elias Sime
According to Sotheby’s, this work, part of the Tightrope series, again challenges perceptions of e-waste and prompts reflection on the delicate balance between technological advancement and its societal effects. Its value was also set at £70,000 – £90,000. The piece was not sold at the auction.
Charcoal L by Pascale Marthine Tayou
Pascale Marthine Tayou’s Charcoal L (2012) exemplifies the Cameroonian artist’s innovative charcoal and mixed media approach, merging drawing and sculpture. This large-scale work transforms found materials to explore identity, culture, and human connection themes. According to artsy.net, Tayou’s craftsmanship sparks discussions on modern experiences related to his African identity, earning him recognition in prestigious international exhibitions. The value of Charcoal L was estimated at between £50,000 and £70,000 but was yet to sell by the close of bidding time.
Queens Forever by Pascale Marthine Tayou
Pascale Marthine Tayou’s Queens Forever (2009) is a captivating series of six hand-blown crystal sculptures that explore diaspora, identity, and contemporary complexities. Each figure, adorned with found materials, critiques social roles and the performative nature of identity in a globalized world, according to Middleheim Museum. Sotherby notes that Tayou’s work transcends race and nationality, presenting a universal ideal that challenges societal constructs while celebrating cultural interplay. This piece was valued at between £40,000 and £60,000 at the auction but did not sell at the London auction.
Ansaku’ by Atta Kwami (2017)
Atta Kwami’s Ansaku (2017) exemplifies his fusion of African traditions and modernist abstraction. Featuring grid-like forms and rhythmic patterns, the painting draws inspiration from Kente textiles and urban life in Ghana, according to artnet.com. Sotheby notes that Kwami’s work reflects his cultural heritage while engaging with broader artistic movements. Celebrated in both Ghana and globally, his art is housed in prestigious collections, highlighting his significant contribution to modern African art. Its price was expected to range between £30,000 and £50,000 but was yet to be sold by the end of the auction window.
Ancient Fog by Alexander Skunder Boghossian
Alexander Skunder Boghossian’s Ancient Fog (1975) is an oil painting that merges Ethiopian culture with surrealism and spirituality, showcasing his “Afro-Metaphysics” style. Influenced by his European studies and jazz, Boghossian conveys the healing essence of ancient scrolls in a fluid composition under a hazy sun, according to Sotherbys.com. Created during a transformative political era in Africa, this work highlights Boghossian’s impact on the Pan-African cultural awakening and modern art. While its price at the auction was expected to range between £30,000 – £50,000, the piece was yet to be sold by the close.
Objects of Desire, Addendum 7 by Meleko Mokgosi
Meleko Mokgosi’s Objects of Desire, Addendum 7 (2019) features a compelling blend of inkjet, permanent marker, oil, and photo transfer on linen and canvas. According to aertguide.com, the work merges historical painting techniques with research-based annotations, prompting a critical examination of themes like colonialism, democracy, and nationalism in Southern Africa. As an artist and associate professor at Yale, Mokgosi’s large-scale pieces invite viewers to engage with the complexities of African history through a multilayered artistic approach. It was expected to fetch between £20,000 and £30,000. The piece sold for £24000.
Credit: Boniface Orucho, Bird Story Agency