Last week, the attention of the art world was drawn to Lagos-based auction house, Arthouse Contemporary, when it presented the Auction of Modern and Contemporary African Art. The works on sale included Kolade Oshinowo’s Music for the Twins, Ben Enwonwu’s Tutu, and Bruce Onobrakpeya’s Emo Epen [Young Leopards] among many other high-value art pieces from all over the continent.
The auction, which is the twenty-fifth edition of its kind, is aimed at bringing international attention to West African art, helping the featured artists gain global recognition and, most importantly, boosting the economic value of their work in the international art market.
The eighty works displayed during the auction, which was held online from November 25 to November 30, were cumulatively valued at an estimated $447,000. The most expensive of the pieces was Victor Ehikhamenor’s Lagos Hide and Seek, which was priced between $17,400 and $26,100.
It was also the highest-selling work after bids were placed, going for $15,000. Alongside the other works that were sold at the auction, it contributed to the $90,550 made in overall sales. These were the top-selling works from the auction:
1. Lagos Hide and Seek
Artist: Victor Ehikhamenor
Price Sold: $15,000
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2. See Me Series
Artist: Peju Alatise
Price Sold: $8,500
3. Elegance [Adamu Orisa]
Artist: Abiodun Olaku
Price Sold: $8,500
4. Nude Torsos
Artist: Wiz Kudowor
Price Sold: $6,500
5. Dreaming 1
Artist: Duke Asidere
Price Sold: $6,500
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Founded in 2007, Arthouse Contemporary holds two auctions every year – in May and in November – and has featured contemporary artists from all over the continent including the likes of El Anatsui [Ghana], Armand Boua [Ivory Coast], and Sokari Douglas Camp [England]. Though usually held at the Wheatbaker Hotel in Ikoyi, the November 2020 auction was held online with bids placed through Invaluable, a leading e-commerce art site.
