Despite economic challenge faced by Nigeria, demand for the country’s art booms. Nigerian art continues to gain global attention and command staggering fees on the domestic and international markets. This development comes against the backdrop of an increasing representation of artists by professionally-run galleries specialising in art from the continent; more appearances by Nigerian artists at major fairs, biennales and festivals, all over the world, more artists studying at prestigious international institutions; and critical text, well distributed to new audiences through alternative channels including social media.
The social media, mostly facebook and instagram, have inspired online exhibitions that are attractive to foreign collectors. It is no longer the galleries that are doing the marketing of art works, but the artists themselves. Amid strong demand and skyrocketing prices, contemporary Nigerian art is increasingly attracting the attention of investors worldwide.
“On a daily basis, between 10.00am and 12.00pm, you’re sure to find nothing less than 20 artists at the DHL office, especially in Oshodi, with well packaged art works ready to be couriered abroad.
It is a testament to the growing interest that African artists have spurred on the international markets,” said the artist Ato Arinze. Some Nigerian artists have found great success at home and abroad, but they often have to do without the traditional markers of career progression: an art school education.