A masterpiece by Julie Mehretu shattered records at Sotheby’s Hong Kong last week, selling for an astounding $9.32 million. This triumphant sale established an unparalleled milestone, marking Mehretu as the highest-grossing African-born artist in the history of auctions. The renowned South African artist Marlene Dumas held the previous record with her captivating artwork, The Visitor, which found a buyer at Sotheby’s London in 2008 for $6.33 million.
Born in Ethiopia and later relocating to the United States during her childhood, Mehretu’s artistic journey reached its zenith with this historic sale. She didn’t rise to prominence overnight; instead, she made her mark with her first six-figure sale in 2010 at the Lehman Brothers’ bankruptcy auction, a pivotal moment that hinted at her rapid ascent in the art world.
The focal point of this groundbreaking transaction was Mehretu’s 2001 masterpiece, Untitled. This painting, a mesmerizing blend of colours and forms, symbolizes Mehretu’s signature style: a large-scale abstraction that delves into the depths of recent global traumas. The demand for her creations has surged dramatically, a trend mirrored by the broader fascination with contemporary African art. In 2023 alone, art enthusiasts invested a staggering $63 million in artworks by African-born artists, showcasing the burgeoning interest in this vibrant genre.
Remarkably, female artists are steering this artistic renaissance. Figures such as Nigerian-American artist Njideka Akunyili Crosby and the prolific South African artist Irma Stern dominate the sales charts. Their compelling works captivate the hearts of collectors worldwide, creating a palpable buzz within the art market.
This remarkable surge in interest is intricately tied to the flourishing African art scene. Nations like Nigeria and Ghana have emerged as epicentres of creativity, attracting art enthusiasts and collectors alike, and the last decade witnessed the establishment of avant-garde spaces such as Gallery 1957 in Accra, Ghana, and Galerie Cécile Fakhoury in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. These venues not only showcase the ingenuity of local artists but also serve as platforms for global recognition.
16-Run screenprint on Coventry Rag 139.1 × 110.5 cm. Image courtesy of Artsy.
The inception of commercial space, such as the 154 art fair, has given rise to a new era where African artists are no longer confined to regional boundaries but celebrated internationally. This newfound visibility has ignited a passion for collecting, driving art enthusiasts to invest in these culturally rich and socially relevant creations.
The groundbreaking sale of Julie Mehretu: Untitled at Sotheby’s Hong Kong marks a watershed moment in the annals of art history. As the global fascination with contemporary African art intensifies, artists like Mehretu are not merely creators but ambassadors of a cultural renaissance. With each brush stroke, they paint a vibrant, inclusive, and compelling narrative that captivates the world, transcending boundaries and uniting humanity in appreciation of artistic brilliance.
