Tag: Nigeria

African Artists Show Strong Results at Auction: William Kentridge Smashes Estimate

A recent auction at Bonhams in London showcased the dynamic and rising value of Modern and Contemporary African Art, concluding with total sales of ยฃ2,439,400 (approximately $2,976,068). The event featured prominent works, including William Kentridge’s Monument I, which soared past expectations, selling for ยฃ483,000 (about $589,260) against its estimate of ยฃ200,000โ€“ยฃ300,000. Kentridge’s evocative charcoal piece, rooted in his Drawings for Projection series, epitomizes his narrative-driven approach that intertwines historical introspection with striking visual artistry. Irma Stern’s Zululand and significant pieces by Ben Enwonwu and Marlene Dumas further emphasized the auction’s success, underscoring the burgeoning global recognition and deepening collector interest in African art’s profound heritage and contemporary vibrancy.

Amref Honors Artist Kehinde Wiley with The Rees Visionary Award at ArtBall 2024

Celebrated African-American artist Kehinde Wiley is set to be honored with the prestigious Rees Visionary Award at this year’s ArtBall 2024, hosted by Amref Health Africa (Amref), the leading healthcare organization on the African continent. Known for his groundbreaking portraits that reimagine people of color in the classical style of Old Master paintings, Wiley has captured global attention for his iconic works, including the portrait of former U.S. President Barack Obama displayed at the National Portrait Gallery.

Celebrated Nigerian artist Amarachi Okafor highlights Ecological Disaster

Well-known for the powerful messages conveyed across various media, Nigerian-based artist Amarachi Okafor decided to tackle a large-scale ecological disaster created by countless small, discarded cigarette butts in her latest work.

Now that effort will be featured in an upcoming exhibition “Announcing beauty, mercy, kindness and love” a rare retrospective exhibition chronicling 20 years of practice by the critically acclaimed Nigerian artist and curator. The exhibition opened October 29 at the Lagosโ€™ Red Door Gallery, and will be open until November 19, 2022.

Nigerian artist Amarachi Okafor brings local perceptions to international stage

From local to international, artist Amarachi Okafor has a knack for using the culture that surrounds her to create powerful messages that reflect the human condition.

Now, after 20 years of accolades and achievements, Okafor reflects on the global culture while continuing to draw inspiration from what is happening around her, in Nigeria and all of Africa and the experience of the people that live there as she prepares for a solo exhibition in October at the Red Door Gallery in Lagos.

Drawing from area culture and communities, Amarachi Okaforโ€™s work embodies the Nigerian spirit while showcasing a global talent.