African Modern & Contemporary Art

Sotheby’s remains the global market leader for Modern and Contemporary African Art. Since 2016, we have built and led this market, breaking over 200 world records for artists from the continent, and taking African art from the margins to the mainstream. By the end of 2024, having reached this milestone, Sotheby’s made the strategic decision to include African artists in our international Modern & Contemporary Art sales. Presenting works alongside other contemporary masters maximizes visibility, engages a broader buyer base, and drives stronger price momentum, often achieving record-breaking results for Modern and Contemporary African Art.

We are now inviting consignments for upcoming auctions and private sales by 20th and 21st century artists including: El Anatsui, Ben Enwonwu, Gerard Sekoto, Ibrahim El Salahi, Yusuf Grillo, Demas Nwoko, Skunder Boghossian, Malangatana Ngwenya, Iba N’Diaye, Papa Ibra Tall, Sam Ntiro, Uzo Egonu, Uche Okeke, Bodys Isek Kingelez, Njideka Akunyili Crosby, Eddy Kamuanga Ilunga, Pascale Marthine Tayou, Irma Stern, Nicholas Hlobo, William Kentridge, Billie Zangewa, Abdoulaye Konate, Ouattara Watts, and other leading artists from Angola, Benin, Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Ghana, Malawi, Mali, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zimbabwe, and other countries across Africa.

Contemporary Conversations: African Artists