Contemporary African Art

First there was Tutu, the so-called African Mona Lisa, which sold for a record 1.5 million dollars. Then another portrait went for 1.4 million a few months down the line. They were record sales for the Nigerian artist Ben Nwunwu. Just a decade ago, major contemporary African artists were just starting to emerge on the international art scene. But today, the continent is fast turning into a major source of contemporary art collectors. Take for example Lagos. At the end of each year, Nigeria's capital boasts a number of glamorously held literature, fashion and art festivals. From the Lagos Art Biennial and Lagos Fashion Week to Lagos Photo Fair and the recent internationally acclaimed ArtX. ArtX is already increasing exposure. I think that many international people come here and that's bound to be great for African art. You know there are many galleries that come from many different African countries. People can come from different parts of the world and experience all of that in one space. British Nigerian artist Yinka Shonibare even launched a program to encourage international artists to live and work temporarily in Nigeria to better understand African culture. He says he's trying to show that the idea that one can only make it as an artist in the West is an outdated concept. It's absolutely important that Africans can be experienced and engaged with on the continent and also you know it's important that African culture is properly understood in the context of Africa and that people actually come here to learn. But it's bigger than self promotion. Museums in Europe and North America have hosted an unprecedented number of African artists in recent years and contemporary African art fairs have sprung up worldwide from Paris to New York to London. It's clear now that for a number of complex reasons we are now beginning to have the voices, the amazing voices of African artists being brought into the conversation. We have to be clear it is long overdue. It was almost negligent. But while some African artists are getting more credit, their artwork is still being underpriced showing that the African art market has a long way to go. Salome Fonselle, TRT World.