Nigerian Art Auction Sets New Record for Contemporary African Art Sales

Today, a Nigerian art auction broke new ground for contemporary African art, setting a record for total sales and underscoring the growing global demand for African artists. The auction, hosted by Arthouse Contemporary, took place in Lagos and featured high-profile works from renowned Nigerian and African artists, many of whom are gaining significant international attention.

The highlight of the auction was a piece by Nigerian artist Njideka Akunyili Crosby, which fetched the highest bid of the night, surpassing all expectations. The auctioned work, titled “New Dawn,” sold for a record-breaking sum of $2.3 million, marking one of the highest prices ever achieved by a Nigerian artist. Crosby, whose work is known for its intimate portrayals of Nigerian diasporic identity, continues to be a focal point for collectors interested in contemporary African art.

Other prominent pieces included works by El Anatsui, whose large-scale metallic tapestries continue to captivate art collectors worldwide. Anatsui’s piece “Unity,” crafted from recycled materials, attracted strong interest, ultimately selling for $1.7 million. Rising stars in the art world, including Oluwole Omofemi and Peju Alatise, also had works in the auction that reached impressive bids, with many pieces exceeding their pre-auction estimates.

According to Arthouse Contemporary, this year’s event attracted an unprecedented number of international buyers, with participants from Europe, North America, and Asia. The auction results reflect a growing trend: contemporary African art has become highly sought-after in global art markets, and Nigerian artists, in particular, are gaining recognition for their distinctive styles and cultural narratives.

Speaking at the close of the auction, Kavita Chellaram, the founder of Arthouse Contemporary, remarked, “The record sales we’ve witnessed tonight demonstrate the remarkable appeal of African art and the dedication of collectors around the world to supporting these artists.” She added that this year’s sales were nearly double those of previous auctions, signaling both an increase in demand and the growing investment value of African art.

Alongside the auction, Arthouse Contemporary also hosted a panel discussion on “The Future of African Art in the Global Market,” where art critics, collectors, and curators discussed the current landscape of African art and its potential to reshape international markets.

The record-breaking auction held by Arthouse Contemporary has placed Nigerian contemporary art in the spotlight, reflecting its rising value and international appeal. By setting a new benchmark for African art sales, this auction highlights Nigeria’s central role in the global art market and underscores the potential of African artists to captivate audiences worldwide.