In its Modern & Contemporary African Artist Market Report 2016-2021, ArtTactic reported that sales in work by African makers had surged by 44.1% in 2021, reaching $72.4m over $50.2m the previous year (reported by Widewalls).
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair, which takes place from October 13-16 at Somerset House in London. The next staging is its largest to date with more than 50 galleries participating. For the third year in a row, it counts Christie’s as its leading partner.
1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair at Somerset House last year.
Meanwhile, The Art Business Conference has launched The African Art Business Newsletter in association with Strauss & Co, the South African auction house. The fortnightly digest relates both to works from and sold in Africa.
“As both the art market on the African Continent broadens and international collecting interest in African art and artists continues to increase, the digest will provide a regular, aggregated selection of articles and content from both regional and global sources,” said Bina Genovese, managing executive of Strauss & Co, in Johannesburg.
For those wishing to browse without buying, the Royal Academy last week opened a one-person show on, South African artist William Kentridge. It runs until December 11.
