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African Painting for Sale

In the past, African art has often taken the form of statues, bas-reliefs and objects, contemporary African painting is very diverse. Closely linked to symbolism, African painting stands out because of the frequent use of very pronounced lines and perfect symmetry. Body painting is also common in African countries, but the continent is also home to wooden objects from the 10th century and bronze statues dating from the 14th century.

Today, many African works of art belong to private collectors. The importance of African artwork, which is often anonymous, is underestimated in France. However, knowledge was passed down in a very similar way to the European process: through workshops. Although workshops were perhaps more often based on familial ties in Africa than in Europe. The name of the studio is often more well-known than that of the artist. Although works of art aren't necessarily signed, artists can leave their own distinct mark on them.

Many historical works were created within the context of the ritual and religion and often the objects created would have been seen as sacred. Their primary purpose was not commercial nor aesthetic.

Contemporary art has evolved considerably in Africa, especially in countries such as South Africa, where many a number of cultural institutions and galleries have sprung up. Contemporary African paintings, often tinged with humor, can act as summaries for the problems present on the African continent, from colonization to the social and economic instability of certain countries, but they can also depict Africa as exceptional, colorful and joyful where each country has a strong and distinct culture.

Little by little, African art is regaining its place on the world art scene and collections of contemporary African art are attracting more and more attention from experts and art lovers. Some African artists to know, such as Barthelemy Toguo, Hassan Hajjaj or Chéri Samba are raising prices in fairs.

Explore the best of the African contemporary scene thanks to the selection of Artsper experts by browsing the works of Paul Akiiki, Kim Bennani, Soly Cissé, Rafiy Okefolahan, Enfant Précoce or Angu Walters. 

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Painting, Struggle, Ashola'sa Daniel

Struggle

Ashola'sa Daniel

Painting - 152.4 x 134.6 x 2.5 cm Painting - 60 x 53 x 1 inch

€3,476

Painting, Reflection, Damilola Ilori

Reflection

Damilola Ilori

Painting - 127 x 99.1 x 2.5 cm Painting - 50 x 39 x 1 inch

€3,201

Painting, Abike, Olamilekan Bello

Abike

Olamilekan Bello

Painting - 99.8 x 79.5 x 2.5 cm Painting - 39.3 x 31.3 x 1 inch

€2,607

Painting, Bimbo, Theophilus Chima

Bimbo

Theophilus Chima

Painting - 121.9 x 91.4 x 2.5 cm Painting - 48 x 36 x 1 inch

€3,476

Painting, Head 2, Omonu Salisu

Head 2

Omonu Salisu

Painting - 91.4 x 61 x 2.5 cm Painting - 36 x 24 x 1 inch

€915

Painting, Self Admiral, Ishmael Armah

Self Admiral

Ishmael Armah

Painting - 170 x 130 x 1 cm Painting - 66.9 x 51.2 x 0.4 inch

€17,000

Painting, Breathe, Bello Gabriel

Breathe

Bello Gabriel

Painting - 121.9 x 91.4 x 2.5 cm Painting - 48 x 36 x 1 inch

€2,973

Painting, Alter Ego, Franklin Ndibam

Alter Ego

Franklin Ndibam

Painting - 140 x 100.1 x 2.5 cm Painting - 55.1 x 39.4 x 1 inch

€3,521

Painting, Dialogue, John Ali

Dialogue

John Ali

Painting - 124 x 81 x 2.5 cm Painting - 48.8 x 31.9 x 1 inch

€2,835

Painting, Monica, Franklin Ndibam

Monica

Franklin Ndibam

Painting - 121.9 x 81.3 x 2.5 cm Painting - 48 x 32 x 1 inch

€4,116

Painting, Womanhood, Tomiwa Arobieke

Womanhood

Tomiwa Arobieke

Painting - 121.9 x 121.9 x 2.5 cm Painting - 48 x 48 x 1 inch

€3,201

Painting, Le départ, Ange Kumbi

Le départ

Ange Kumbi

Painting - 62 x 71 x 1 cm Painting - 24.4 x 28 x 0.4 inch

€1,800

Painting, Vineyard, Agboola Oladapo

Vineyard

Agboola Oladapo

Painting - 82.6 x 64.8 x 2.5 cm Painting - 32.5 x 25.5 x 1 inch

€4,116

Painting, Innocence, Agboola Oladapo

Innocence

Agboola Oladapo

Painting - 91.4 x 61 x 2.5 cm Painting - 36 x 24 x 1 inch

€4,390

Painting, Serenity, Agboola Oladapo

Serenity

Agboola Oladapo

Painting - 121.9 x 91.4 x 2.5 cm Painting - 48 x 36 x 1 inch

€4,573

Painting, Idehen, Barnabas Macauley

Idehen

Barnabas Macauley

Painting - 121.9 x 91.4 x 2.5 cm Painting - 48 x 36 x 1 inch

€3,841

Painting, Idia, Barnabas Macauley

Idia

Barnabas Macauley

Painting - 76.2 x 61 x 2.5 cm Painting - 30 x 24 x 1 inch

€2,515

Painting, Eight Ball, Morakinyo Femi

Eight Ball

Morakinyo Femi

Painting - 121.9 x 121.9 x 2.5 cm Painting - 48 x 48 x 1 inch

€4,756

Painting, Regal, Victor Morawo

Regal

Victor Morawo

Painting - 91.4 x 61 x 2.5 cm Painting - 36 x 24 x 1 inch

€2,561

Painting, Reticence, Olumide Ajayi

Reticence

Olumide Ajayi

Painting - 30.5 x 25.4 x 2.5 cm Painting - 12 x 10 x 1 inch

€439

Painting, Virgin, Moses Nyawanda

Virgin

Moses Nyawanda

Painting - 95 x 93 x 2 cm Painting - 37.4 x 36.6 x 0.8 inch

€1,900

Painting, Masktache, Ayoka Zahir

Masktache

Ayoka Zahir

Painting - 58 x 42 x 0.01 cm Painting - 22.8 x 16.5 x 0 inch

€100

Painting, Hilda, Makama John

Hilda

Makama John

Painting - 106.7 x 91.4 x 2.5 cm Painting - 42 x 36 x 1 inch

€2,698

Painting, Mother's pride, Chika Idu

Mother's pride

Chika Idu

Painting - 149.9 x 119.4 x 7.6 cm Painting - 59 x 47 x 3 inch

€12,783

Painting, Sankofa II, Lawrence Amoo

Sankofa II

Lawrence Amoo

Painting - 30 x 24.9 x 2.5 cm Painting - 11.8 x 9.8 x 1 inch

€3,887

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Photography, Discord, Thandiwe Muriu

Discord

Thandiwe Muriu

Photography - 120 x 120 x 0.2 cm Photography - 47.2 x 47.2 x 0.1 inch

€13,000

Painting, People, Ablade Glover

People

Ablade Glover

Painting - 121.9 x 152.4 x 10.2 cm Painting - 48 x 60 x 4 inch

€32,012

Need help with African Painting ?
What are some common themes and motifs found in African paintings?

African paintings often feature themes and motifs such as spirituality, community, nature, and daily life. These themes are often depicted through the use of vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and symbolic imagery. Many African artists also incorporate traditional cultural elements, such as masks and tribal symbols, into their work.

How has African painting evolved over time, and what are some notable artists in the genre?

African painting has evolved over time, with traditional styles giving way to more contemporary techniques. Notable artists in the genre include El Anatsui, William Kentridge, and Chéri Samba. These artists have helped to shape the African art scene and bring it to a global audience.

What materials and techniques are typically used in African painting, and how do they differ from Western painting traditions?

African painting often uses natural materials such as mud, clay, and plant-based pigments, while Western painting relies on synthetic materials. African artists also tend to focus on storytelling and symbolism, whereas Western art emphasizes realism and individual expression. These differences reflect cultural and historical influences on artistic traditions.

What are the types of African art?

African art encompasses sculpture, painting, ceramics, textiles, jewelry, and masks. It also includes contemporary art, which blends traditional techniques with modern expressions.

Who is the most famous African painter?

Ghanaian artist El Anatsui is considered one of the most famous African painters thanks to his monumental works combining painting, sculpture, and recycled materials. His work is exhibited in major museums around the world.

What is ethnic painting?
Ethnic painting refers to works inspired by the traditions, motifs, and symbols specific to a culture or ethnic group. It highlights the identity, history, and beliefs of communities through specific styles and techniques.