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.

Ben Enwonwu Nigerian (1917-1994) Nigerian Beauty signed and dated 1959 (lower right) oil on canvas 61.1 by 50.2cm., 24 by 19¾in.

Among the highlights are two newly discovered works by Ben Enwonwu, Nigeria's celebrated modernist. Both pieces, Nigerian Beauty (estimated at $100,000–150,000) and The Emir in Council (estimated at £70,000–90,000), were painted on the cusp of Nigeria’s independence in 1959.

They embody Enwonwu’s effort to capture a cultural renaissance and contribute to the formation of a postcolonial identity. These works, together with his Royal Dance (also estimated at £70,000–90,000), reaffirm his place as a visionary who helped shape the visual lexicon of modern Nigeria.

Equally compelling is the presence of Portrait of a Boy (estimated at £18,000–25,000), a work by South African painter Gerard Sekoto, often regarded as one of the foremost African modernists. Painted after Sekoto’s relocation to Paris, the piece offers a poignant reflection of his engagement with social realism, delving into the psyche of postcolonial African society at a time of immense political upheaval.

The work was originally gifted to the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts in 1959, cementing its provenance. The auction also showcases a selection of drawings by Uche Okeke, a leading member of the Zaria Art Society, produced between 1972 and 1975. Okeke’s work was instrumental in bridging indigenous artistic traditions with modernist principles, underscoring the dynamism of Nigeria’s post-independence art scene.

While these masters anchor the sale, Sotheby’s has also curated a vibrant array of works from contemporary African artists who have gained significant international attention. Among them is Toyin Ojih Odutola, known for her intricately detailed portraiture that explores the complexities of identity.

Toyin Ojih Odutola Nigerian-American b.1985 Birmingham (center)

Also featured is Ivorian artist Aboudia, whose raw, graffiti-inspired canvases provide a visceral commentary on urban life in West Africa. These artists, alongside rising talents like Slawn, Lisa Brice, and Nnena Okore, represent the dynamic future of African art on the global stage.

The auction opens for online bidding on September 20, 2024, and will culminate in a live event on September 27. With demand for African art continuing to rise, this sale underscores the growing recognition of the continent’s artists as integral to both the modernist canon and contemporary dialogues.

By embracing a broad range of artistic expressions and narratives, Sotheby’s continues to expand the global market for African art, positioning it not as a niche curiosity but as a central pillar of the international art world. Whether one seeks historical masterpieces or contemporary innovations, the upcoming sale promises to be a landmark event.