A selection of highlights from our forthcoming auction.

Auction Highlights 

This collection of works pays homage to the Highlife genre, a musical movement born in postcolonial West Africa. Highlife transcended musical boundaries, coming to symbolise the broader cultural and political unity of the African diaspora. The artists included in this group were active in the early post-colonial period, producing work which exemplified the creative spirit of the age.

Highlife

Sotheby’s is delighted to offer this selection of three works in support of 2024 Lagos Biennial. Next years edition is themed REFUGE and addresses the concept of the nation-state and critically reflects on the site of the main exhibition, Tafawa Balewa Square, the venue of Nigerian independence celebrations in 1960, and also a key venue of the Festival of Black Arts and Culture FESTAC ’77.

REFUGE: In Support of the 2024 Lagos Biennial

In October, Sotheby's is proud to pay tribute to the often underappreciated achievements of Black artists who have played a pivotal role in shaping art history. We recognize the remarkable contributions across the artistic spectrum that reflect not only diverse heritages and global narratives but in many ways engage with questions of identity, existence, and visibility. We take great pride in presenting outstanding pieces created by artists who stand as pillars in the annals of art history. Whether at the national, regional or global level, these artist have shaped our conception of postcolonial visual culture in their respective countries.

We take great pride in presenting outstanding pieces created by artists who stand as pillars in the annals of art history. Whether at the national, regional or global level, these artist have shaped our conception of postcolonial visual culture in their respective countries.

Celebrating Black History Month 

Explore the exemplary works of the continent’s most accomplished and celebrated modern masters.

Modern Masters

Hair holds a central place in African identity, and the artists featured in this selection delve into the intricate connection between these themes within their showcased works.

‘Don’t Touch My Hair’

The image-makers who effortlessly straddle the worlds of high art and popular culture.

New Vanguard

London

Senior Director | Head of Modern and Contemporary African Art

Hannah O'Leary

Deputy Director | Modern and Contemporary African Art

Adriana La Lime

Department Assistant | Modern & Contemporary African Art

Elikem Logan 

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Sotheby’s is proud to present the October 2023 Modern &amp; Contemporary African Art auction in London. Occuring in tandem with renowned art fairs such as Frieze London and 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair, the auction features a diverse selection of highly coveted and culturally significant works spanning the breadth of African post-colonial history. Highlights of the auction include works by El Anatsui, Ben Enwonwu, Hassan El Glaoui, Nengi Omuku, Gerard Sekoto and Portia Zvavahera.