Ralph Waldo Emerson, in his essay "Society and Solitude," wrote, "We do not believe our own thought; we must serve somebody; we must quote somebody; we dote on the old and the distant; we are tickled by great names; we quote their opinions; we cite their laws." For Ikechukwu Nduka, he stands as the antithesis of the society Emerson critiques. He defied societal expectations and familial disapproval to pursue his passion for art, successfully contending the dependence on the opinions of others. "They say art is therapy, but while creative minds like us are creating this 'therapy', I think we need it the most, or rather we need it first." He aptly expressed the stark pressure.

Dianna Offor, nicknamed "God's Artist," is a Nigerian-born visual artist, whose work is dedicated to expressing the essence of God and importance of faith in todays society. Currently living in Ireland–where she recently acquired a diploma in studio art painting, Offor has spent the last three years depicting the theme of Hope and Love through her biblical abstract paintings.

Last week, Art Report Africa served as the official media partner for New Narratives and Singular Communication in Arts Journalism: The Museo del Prado Experience — a two-day international workshop held at the Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art, Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos, organised in partnership with the Embassy of Spain in Nigeria and Casa África through its #PeriodismoÁfrica programme.

On 14 June 2026, the Obama Presidential Center unveiled "The Obamas: Springing Forth" — a large-scale work by Njideka Akunyili Crosby, rendered in acrylic, coloured pencils, charcoal, and transfers on paper, measuring 108 by 120 inches. It now hangs in the Hope and Change Lobby of the museum's main building, free and open to the public, before the Centre's official grand opening on Juneteenth. It is the first official portrait of the former President and First Lady together.

London Gallery Weekend returns for its sixth edition this 5–7 June, bringing together over 120 galleries across the capital for three days of exhibitions, talks, and events — all free and open to the public. For its Co-Directors Jeremy Epstein and Sarah Rustin, the 2026 edition is "a convening moment that is both local and global in its scope and audience, reflecting the year-on-year revitalisation and evolution of the capital's contemporary art scene."

The 2026 Venice Biennale is, on paper, the most African edition in the exhibition's 131-year history. But what does that actually mean — and who does it serve?

Tiwani Contemporary is closing its London doors. The gallery, which has operated out of 24 Cork Street in Mayfair since 2023 will shut its London space after already pausing operations at its Lagos outpost on Victoria Island.

Polish philanthropist and art advocate Omenaa Mensah, of Ghanaian heritage, has been invited to join the prestigious Africa Acquisitions Committee (AAC) at Tate, one of the world’s most influential cultural institutions. Her appointment not only marks a milestone as the first Polish member of the Committee but also underscores Warsaw’s growing significance on the global art world.

This November, Lagos will host a milestone edition of ART X Lagos — the fair turns ten. Since its founding in 2016 by Tokini Peterside‑Schwebig, ART X Lagos has grown into West Africa’s premier art-fair and a benchmark for contemporary African art.

On October 12, 2025, the Ecobank Pan African Centre in Lagos opens its doors to Fela Kuti: Afrobeat Rebellion, marking the return of an exhibition that celebrates one of Africa’s most influential cultural figures. Originally curated by the Philharmonie de Paris in 2022, the exhibition is now reimagined for its Nigerian debut by the A Whitespace Creative Arts (AWCA) Foundation, with support from the French Embassy in Nigeria and the Kuti family.

The Nigerian art landscape welcomed a major new institution with the launch of ADEGBOLA Gallery in Victoria Island, Lagos. Founded by lawyer and cultural entrepreneur Kayode Adegbola, the gallery officially opened its doors on October 1, 2025, Nigeria's Independence Day. The space has been established with the ambition of creating a new home for serious curatorial work that is deeply anchored in local context while maintaining global relevance.

The Pavilion of Zimbabwe announces its participation in the 61st International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia, opening in April 2026 under the artistic direction of Adriano Pedrosa and the central exhibition In Minor Keys.

The UK government has acquired Journaliste (2023), a powerful mixed-media animation by British-Congolese artist Djofray Makumbu, for the nation’s public art collection, marking a major milestone in the artist’s rising career.

In the latest twist in the ever-blurring lines between internet virality and art world credibility, American artist KAWS has publicly denied any collaboration with London-based Nigerian artist and designer Slawn, following a now-viral post shared by Slawn suggesting a joint project between the two.

A groundbreaking exhibition explores photography’s role in shaping Pan-African identity, solidarity, and political thought The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) has announced a landmark exhibition titled Ideas of Africa: Portraiture and Political Imagination, opening December 14, 2025, and running through July 25, 2026.

Southern Guild is set to make its third consecutive appearance at The Armory Show, presenting a powerful new body of work at Booth 117 of the Javits Center. The presentation, on view during the VIP Preview on September 4 and to the public from September 5–7, will feature new paintings, sculpture, and photography from a roster of seminal artists from South Africa, Morocco, Benin, and Nigeria.

There's a voice that lives inside us, often waiting in silence. It's a part of ourselves that we sometimes bury, a quiet shadow that only finds expression when we allow it to. Yusuff Aina's latest character, "Voied," is a compelling new light for this hidden self.

In response to a growing chorus in the global art world declaring that “Black figuration is over,” O’DA Art Gallery’s latest exhibition, Black Figuration is Alive and Well, offers a firm and timely rebuttal. Bringing together a dynamic group of contemporary artists working across painting, sculpture, photography, collage, and digital media, the exhibition argues for figuration not as trend or aesthetic repetition, but as a vital language of presence, imagination, and agency.

The Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) will officially open its new museum campus in Benin City, Nigeria, to the public on Tuesday, 11 November 2025. The opening marks a major milestone in the institution’s vision to build world-class infrastructure for the research, preservation, and presentation of West African art and heritage.

In the nuanced world of art collecting, the process is often as significant as the acquisition itself. Whether motivated by aesthetic appreciation, investment potential, or cultural enrichment, collectors must ensure that their decisions reflect both their personal values and long-term vision.

In April 2025, Sotheby's quietly absorbed its dedicated Modern & Contemporary African Art department into the broader contemporary sales operation. A year on, we need to talk about what that decision actually means — and stop accepting the spin.

Victoria Ndubuisi’s distinctive approach to painting captures attention in a remarkable way. In her ongoing solo exhibition titled "Ọmụgwo," she employs a unique marbling technique for the backgrounds of her artworks, created through the dynamic act of performance.

The upcoming Aichi Triennale 2025, set from September 13 to November 30 in Japan, promises a reformative global dialogue on contemporary art. Under the evocative theme A Time Between Ashes and Roses—a nod to Adonis’s 1970 poem—the festival goes beyond mere traditional national narratives, inviting diverse perspectives that reimagine our connection to time, nature, and society. Among the 60 selected artists, a powerful contingent from Africa brings distinct voices and innovative practices to the international stage. Here’s a closer look at five remarkable African artists featured in this year's Triennale.

Art Basel has unveiled the lineup for its 2025 edition in Basel, Switzerland, set to take place from June 19–22, with preview days on June 17–18. The fair, widely regarded as a bellwether for the global art market, will host 291 galleries, including major blue-chip establishments and an expanded focus on ultra-contemporary art through a newly introduced section—Premiere.

For the first time in art market history, female African artists collectively surpassed their male counterparts in auction sales in 2023—a development initially dismissed as an anomaly. Yet, the trend persisted into 2024, with women artists securing a commanding 52.8% share of total African art sales.

Art Basel has unveiled its latest initiative—the Art Basel Awards—a groundbreaking recognition platform set to spotlight artists, curators, and influential figures who shape the global art landscape. This ambitious program underscores Art Basel’s growing commitment to acknowledging excellence and fostering innovation across artistic disciplines.

At a time when conversations about diversity, representation, and identity are more important than ever, Bozar’s latest exhibition When We See Us offers a powerful exploration into how we perceive ourselves and others.

Imagine buying a masterpiece with Bitcoin or Ether. No, it's not a dream — it’s the future of art, and it's happening now. Sotheby’s, one of the world's most prestigious auction houses, has announced it will accept cryptocurrency payments at its upcoming “Origins” auction in Saudi Arabia.

Curated by Osei Bonsu, curator of international art at Tate Modern, and Cale Garrido, guest curator at the C/O Berlin Foundation, A World in Common presents twenty-three African and African diaspora artists from different generations and geographical contexts - with works by Kelani Abass, Atong Atem, Malala Andrialavidrazana, Edson Chagas, Kudzanai Chiurai, Rotimi Fani-Kayode, Maïmouna Guerresi, Hassan Hajjaj, Délio Jasse, Julianknxx, Samson Kambalu, Kiripi Katembo, Lebohang Kganye, Mário Macilau, Sabelo Mlangeni, Santu Mofokeng, Fabrice Monteiro, Aïda Muluneh, Wura-Natasha Ogunji, George Osodi, Dawit L. Petros, Zina Saro-Wiwa, and Khadija Saye.

Windsor Gallery is becoming a prominent player in the West African art scene, expanding its influence from Lagos to Abuja and Abidjan in just a few short years. This growth signals not only the gallery's ambition but also its commitment to creating a platform for contemporary African art.

In Ethiopia, women vendors are often overlooked and marginalized, despite being the backbone of the market. Their struggles are perpetuated by societal perceptions of their stature. Challenging these norms, Tadesse Mesfin's solo exhibition, "Where We Coalesce," currently on view at Addis Fine Art (until November 30, 2024), seeks to reframe the narrative surrounding Ethiopian women.

In the midst of shifting societal norms and increasing complexity around identity, "Freedom in Multitudes" asks important questions about Black and African identity. Through the work of nine international artists, this 1897 Gallery exhibition explores the nuances of self-expression.

As September gets to its mid point, now is a good time to look at what October promises for the art world, with fairs and auctions spanning continents, spotlighting both emerging and established talent.

Sotheby’s will soon host its latest Modern and Contemporary African Art auction in London, marking another significant milestone for the global appreciation of the continent's art. Scheduled for September 27, 2024, at its New Bond Street galleries, this auction will bring under the hammer a diverse selection of works, from the stalwarts of 20th-century African modernism to some of the most exciting contemporary names on the international stage.

The British-Nigerian artist and designer Yinka Ilori has transformed Sotheby’s café on New Bond Street with his distinctive style, infusing the space with vibrant adire motifs, bold symbols, and colorful furnishings. The installation, titled "Pride is Within My Story," runs until October 31, and celebrates the diverse talents that have made London their home while highlighting the city's inclusive artistic community.

On this episode we speak to Graphic Designer and Brand communications expert, Olumide Omololu, on Tips on how to brand your creative business! We look at how to be an authentic designer, understanding creative markets and conceptualising your brand image in todays digital age.

On this episode we speak to curator and founder of Wunika Mukan Gallery, Wunika Mukan on her journey into the Art Market and navigating creative industries in a time where Art was not a valued asset. Wunika is the founder of Wunika Mukan Gallery, formerly known as Pacers Gallery and is also the director of the Women’s Film Club.

An African art collection is once again set for auction after its owner, Sam Njunuri, filed for bankruptcy earlier this year. The collection, comprising over 1,000 pieces including sculptures and monuments, has been at the centre of a legal dispute dating back to 2015.

Imagine growing up surrounded by art that wasn't just on the walls, but woven into the very fabric of Lagos. That was the world of Mrs Rayo Anthonio, daughter of the legendary Yusuf Grillo.Yusuf Grillo's story is one of dedication and quiet revolution.

In this episode we speak to curator and founder of Phílos, Asibi Danjuma on inventing new strategies for business in the African Art Market and navigating the economical downturn. PHILOS is a framework that merges fine Art and literature in exploring the profundity of the African continent based in Lagos, Nigeria.

On this episode we have a special interview with curator, writer and photographer, Aisha Aliyu-Bima, who opens her largest curatorial project next week at the Yemisi Shyllon Museum in Lagos, Nigeria.

Jean-Michel Basquiat's acclaimed 1982 triptych "Portrait of the Artist as a Young Derelict" is preparing to hit the auction block once again, this time at a Sotheby's modern and contemporary sale in London later this month. This will be the second time the work has been auctioned in the past three years. Nonetheless, the work appears to have substantially declined in value since its last outing at auction just two years ago.

Art Professionals Africa Unplugged is now available on all podcast platforms including, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and IHeart Radio! On this episode, we speak to Designer, & Curator Olufisayo Bakare, Olufisayo Bakare, on her journey to becoming a curator, the responsibilities of holding such a position and the future of the African Art Market as it relies on specific industry stakeholders.on the intricacies of the curatorial practice

The auction, held on 13 May 2024, in New York, featured works by both emerging and established artists, including Njideka Akunyili Crosby, Toyin Ojih Odutola, Takako Yamaguchi, Tracey Emin, Kerry James Marshall, George Condo, Adrian Ghenie, Jacqueline Humphries, Christina Quarles, Jadé Fadojutimi, Avery Singer, Cecily Brown, Jeffrey Gibson, Lisa Yuskavage, and Lynette Yiadom-Boakye. The total auction sales came to $32.7 million from an estimated $24.15–34.60 million.

Three paintings by Jean-Michel Basquiat, once owned by the late Italian anthropologist and editor Francesco Pellizzi, will be offered for sale at Phillips this May. The works, which have not been on the market for decades, are expected to fetch high prices.

On this episode of “Art Professionals Africa Unplugged”, we speak to Founder of O’DA Art & Obida Collective Obida Obioha on The Art of Collecting in Nigeria: Art investment and tips on building a diverse collection.

On this episode, we speak to Founder and Creative director of Retro Africa, Dolly Kola-Balogun.On this episode, we look at the intricacies of the art market from a Nigerian lens. In the midst of a global economic downturn, inflation and political turbulence across several African nations, we look at the strategies and business practices that she adopts to balance and build a successful organization.

On this podcast, we delve into the stories of Key Industry Players in different art ecosystems on the African continent. We speak to Gallerists, Art Historians, Curators, Advisors & Art Directors to get insight on their markets domestically.

Within Nigeria’s creative scene, Olufisayo Bakare stands as a multifaceted force. Born in Lagos to a family with a rich art and design heritage, her interests took her through the intricacies of various industries. From aspiring artist to entrepreneur and curator, Olufisayo is the visionary behind the brand, interior Living (Intlvng) and The Yellow of Lagos.

Anjola Awosika gives insight to his mission for this series: "I'm on a mission to unfold the vibrant African narrative through the lens of food and interior photography. I thrive on encapsulating the richness of our diverse culture in every shot, whether it's the savory essence of our cuisine or the allure of stunning interior spaces. Join me in this exhilarating journey at the core of my media agency, where we celebrate the beauty of African life through the captivating art of photography."

Debuting this month, Anjola Awosika announces "Ànjolá", an Interior Design project celebrating African culture in African homes. Looking at how functionality, comfort and Art coalesce in living spaces, Awosika is determined to document the intricate details that contribute to the beauty of specific African homes.

O’DA Art is pleased to present, Walk like a Champion, Abe Odedina’s first solo exhibition in Lagos, Nigeria. This new body of work is a testament to this special gathering and the thrilling opportunity to finally exhibit in Nigeria again and most importantly, to make a show for his Mother ahead of the centenary of her birth. Its title, that Odedina attests, ‘is not about swagger. It’s not about strutting around. It’s about what you think a champion is? It’s about being undeniably true to yourself. When we say “walk”, it’s in a more important sense than one foot in front of the other. It’s how you go through life. It’s the Big Walk.’

First major UK solo exhibition of new and recent works by Lagos-based artist Nengi Omuku, exploring her profound relationship with the natural world.

Opening on 9th Ocotober, 2023, ‘PORTRAITS FOR ENGLISH TO SEE’, presents six new works that are part of René Tavares’ most recent and iconic painting series – “Portraits for English to See” and “Cotton People Reloaded”.

Art on the Underground, London, United Kingdom is set to present an exciting seminal performative work, Declaration of Independence, featuring multifaceted London-based artist, educator, and researcher, Barby Asante. This newly commissioned iteration will take place at Stratford Tube station on Sunday 17 September 2023.

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has announced the indictment of Soufiane Oulahyane, a Moroccan national, for allegedly stealing $450,000 worth of cryptocurrencies and non-fungible tokens (NFTs) from unsuspecting users of the popular NFT marketplace OpenSea.

Art Basel Hong Kong, will welcome a new participant this year: Retro Africa, a contemporary art gallery based in Abuja, Nigeria. This will be the gallery's first appearance at the prestigious fair, where it will present a solo show by Nigerian-American artist Victor Ehikhamenor.

The EMOWAA (Edo Museum of West African Art) Trust has announced the appointments of two distinguished art pioneers to strengthen its focus on modern and contemporary art. Professor Chika Okeke-Agulu, a Nigerian art historian and professor at Princeton University and Oxford University, will serve as Senior Advisor, Modern and Contemporary Art. Aindrea Emelife, a Nigerian-British curator and Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, will be the new Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art.

What does it mean to be green in a world that has been shaped by colonialism and capitalism? How can we rethink our relationship with nature and each other in the face of ecological crisis and social injustice? How can we reclaim and celebrate the diverse and sustainable ways of living that have been erased or marginalized by the dominant narratives of progress and development?

'El Anatsui is responsible for some of the most unique and unforgettable sculptures in recent times and we are delighted that he will tackle the Turbine Hall this autumn for the annual Hyundai Commission,' said Frances Morris, Director of Tate Modern.

In a time where diversity and inclusion are becoming more important in the art world, the exhibition, In the Black Fantastic, is a timely and impactful exhibition that spotlights Black African Contemporary artists. Curated by Ghanaian-British Writer & Curator, Ekow Eshun, the exhibition was initially held at the Hayward Gallery in London where thousands of spectators flocked to view the work in its entirety. As a result , the exhibition has now been reopened at the Kunsthal Museum in the Netherlands.