The Surge of African Art in Global Markets
- Art Dealer Street
- Jul 14
- 3 min read
In recent years, African art has experienced an incredible global surge in recognition and value. Once marginalized and often misunderstood by Western collectors and institutions, African art is now enjoying unprecedented demand among international galleries, auction houses, fairs, museums, and cultural institutions. This renewed interest reflects both a growing appreciation of its artistic diversity and a general shift in global attitudes toward cultural representation and equity.
Historically, African art was viewed primarily through an ethnographic lens, with emphasis on traditional masks and artifacts often stripped of context and presented as “primitive art.” Today, that narrative is rapidly being overthrown. Contemporary African artists are redefining the global art scene with bold, innovative works that draw from a rich variety of cultures, histories, and experiences. Artists such as Julie Mehretu El Anatsui, Amoako Boafo, Zanele Muholi, and Ibrahim Mahama are the center of international attention and have seen a significant grownth in auction prices, finally turning Africa from object to subject within critical artistic dialogues.
One of the driving forces behind this surge is the expanding number of African collectors and art patrons who are investing in their continent’s creative talent. Cities like Lagos, Accra, Nairobi, and Johannesburg have become important cultural and artistic hubs, with thriving art fairs, galleries, and residencies. Meanwhile, the diaspora plays a crucial role in bridging African art with global audiences, often serving as cultural ambassadors and advocates for visibility and inclusion.
International auction houses such as Sotheby’s and Christie’s have also been keeping up to this pace, launching specialized African art auctions and seeing record-breaking sales. Here are a few examples of recent record breaking auction sales by African artists in the part five years:
Julie Mehretu – Walkers with the Dawn and Morning (2008). Sold for $10.38 million at Sotheby’s New York, 15 November 2023—setting a new auction record for an African‑born artist
Julie Mehretu – Untitled (2001, diptych). Sold for $9.32 million at Sotheby’s Hong Kong, October 2023
Njideka Akunyili Crosby – The Beautyful Ones (2012). Realized $4.7 million at Christie’s New York, November 2022
Toyin Ojih Odutola – (Untitled). Achieved $2.19 million at Sotheby’s, November 2021
Lynette Yiadom‑Boakye – Highpower. Sold for £1.482 million (~$1.8 million) at Christie’s London, October 2022
Jadé Fadojutimi – A Thistle Throb (2021). Achieved nearly $1.7 million at Christie’s New York, November 2022
Amoako Boafo – Hands Up (2018). Sold for HK$26.7 million (~$3.4 million) at Christie’s Hong Kong, 2021
Ouattara Watts – Afro Beat (2011). Realized $781,200 at Christie’s New York, May 2022
Benedict Enwonwu – Tutu (1974). Sold for $1.68 million at Bonhams, 2018
El Anatsui – Recycled Dreams (Uniting the World with a Stitch) (2005). Achieved $1.512 million at Christie’s New York, November 2018
Furthermore, major institutions like the Tate Modern in London and the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art in Washington, D.C., are dedicating more space and resources to African artists and curators.
As always, there are some controversies that arise. With the growing interest around Africa, its history and art, more and more questions around provenance, ownership, and cultural appropriation have been born over these years. The growing call for the repatriation of looted African artifacts highlights the need for ethical collecting practices and equitable collaboration with African institutions.
Ultimately, the surge of African art in global markets is not just a trend—it represents a broader rebalancing of the art world’s power structures. As African artists continue to innovate and assert their voices, they are not only enriching global culture but also reclaiming narratives that have long been overlooked or distorted. The future of African art is vibrant, dynamic, and firmly in the global spotlight.
Sources:
Artprice https://www.artprice.com/artmarketinsight/contemporary-african-art-another-record-year-at-auction
Artprice https://www.artprice.com/artmarketinsight/african-art-on-the-art-market-calm-after-the-storm
The Art Newspaper https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2023/10/09/julie-mehretu-painting-sets-new-auction-record-for-an-african-born-artist