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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Sisters in the garden
Abiodun Nafiu Azeez
Painting - 99.1 x 78.7 x 2.5 cm Painting - 39 x 31 x 1 inch
€1,413
The Dancers painting from Africa
Angu Walters
Painting - 120 x 94 x 0.1 cm Painting - 47.2 x 37 x 0 inch
€3,281
Masked Elegance in Contemporary Threads 2
Emmanuel Ojebola
Painting - 91.4 x 91.4 x 2.5 cm Painting - 36 x 36 x 1 inch
€4,420
Waiting Time - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Modern, Women
Oluwafemi Akanmu
Painting - 121.9 x 91.4 x 2.5 cm Painting - 48 x 36 x 1 inch
€2,689
Guy in Hat - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Acrylic Drip, Men
Bello Adedoyin
Painting - 71.1 x 61 x 2.5 cm Painting - 28 x 24 x 1 inch
€1,230
Soul Sister 1 - 21st Century, Contemporary, Portrait, Women, Love, Africa, Face
Oluwafemi Akanmu
Painting - 91.4 x 91.4 x 2.5 cm Painting - 36 x 36 x 1 inch
€2,415
Self Love 4 - 21st Century, Contemporary, Portrait, Mixed Media, African Woman
Oluwafemi Akanmu
Painting - 91.4 x 61 x 2.5 cm Painting - 36 x 24 x 1 inch
€1,960
Identity 1 - 21st Century, Contemporary, Portrait, Mixed Media, African Woman Hair
Oluwafemi Akanmu
Painting - 76.2 x 76.2 x 2.5 cm Painting - 30 x 30 x 1 inch
€2,142
My Skin Colour... Gift or Curse?
Iyiola Odunayo
Painting - 61 x 45.7 x 2.5 cm Painting - 24 x 18 x 1 inch
€1,504
News update 2
Abiodun Nafiu Azeez
Painting - 91.4 x 116.8 x 2.5 cm Painting - 36 x 46 x 1 inch
€1,686
Strength in Diversity 5
Damola Ayegbayo
Painting - 177.8 x 101.6 x 2.5 cm Painting - 70 x 40 x 1 inch
€5,924
Portrait of Abigael - 21st Century. Contemporary, Figurative, Modern Portrait
Aba Linus
Painting - 78.7 x 78.7 x 2.5 cm Painting - 31 x 31 x 1 inch
€2,598
What Do You See When You Look Through
Aba Linus
Painting - 96.5 x 96.5 x 2.5 cm Painting - 38 x 38 x 1 inch
€2,598
Beautiful Like Sapphire
Aba Linus
Painting - 78.7 x 78.7 x 2.5 cm Painting - 31 x 31 x 1 inch
€2,598
Where Love Shapes The Soul
Aba Linus
Painting - 121.9 x 91.4 x 2.5 cm Painting - 48 x 36 x 1 inch
€3,509
Standing Tall - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Portrait, Men, Africa
Eyitayo Alagbe
Painting - 121.9 x 91.4 x 2.5 cm Painting - 48 x 36 x 1 inch
€3,509
100 Miles Away - 21st Century. Contemporary, Figurative, Modern, Women, Love Car
Aba Linus
Painting - 121.9 x 121.9 x 2.5 cm Painting - 48 x 48 x 1 inch
€2,598
Mindscapes - 21st Century
Eyitayo Alagbe
Painting - 91.4 x 91.4 x 2.5 cm Painting - 36 x 36 x 1 inch
€2,962
Whispers of Butterfly
Abiodun Nafiu Azeez
Painting - 76.2 x 61 x 2.5 cm Painting - 30 x 24 x 1 inch
€1,276
Stronger With You - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Brotherhood
Aba Linus
Painting - 78.7 x 78.7 x 2.5 cm Painting - 31 x 31 x 1 inch
€2,233
Echoes of Grace - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, School Girl Uniform
Meshach Charity
Painting - 76.2 x 61 x 2.5 cm Painting - 30 x 24 x 1 inch
€1,504
Still Waiting In Silence
Aba Linus
Painting - 78.7 x 78.7 x 2.5 cm Painting - 31 x 31 x 1 inch
€2,233
Sun Flower - 21st Century, Contemporary, Portrait, Mixed Media, Africa, Face
Oluwafemi Akanmu
Painting - 121.9 x 91.4 x 2.5 cm Painting - 48 x 36 x 1 inch
€2,598
Pathfinder 2 - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Black Women Face
Ogunniyi Oluwatosin
Painting - 76.2 x 61 x 2.5 cm Painting - 30 x 24 x 1 inch
€2,142
Tropical Thoughts
Samson Adetunji
Painting - 121.9 x 121.9 x 2.5 cm Painting - 48 x 48 x 1 inch
€3,509
Times are changing
Akintomide Akinshola
Painting - 63.5 x 52 x 1 cm Painting - 25 x 20.5 x 0.4 inch
€2,220
Other Day With My Brother
Samson Adetunji
Painting - 152.4 x 121.9 x 2.5 cm Painting - 60 x 48 x 1 inch
€3,645
La Voyageur (Traveler 1) - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Modern, Men
Alawaye Tope
Painting - 152.4 x 121.9 x 2.5 cm Painting - 60 x 48 x 1 inch
€3,371
Aridunu (One Who Makes One Happy When Sighted)
John Alogi
Painting - 76.7 x 61 x 2.5 cm Painting - 30.2 x 24 x 1 inch
€2,051
Heart Space - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Men, Love, Home
Samson Adetunji
Painting - 121.9 x 91.4 x 2.5 cm Painting - 48 x 36 x 1 inch
€2,962
Threefold Harmony - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Women, Love
Samson Adetunji
Painting - 91.4 x 121.9 x 2.5 cm Painting - 36 x 48 x 1 inch
€2,962
Does It Get Better? - 21st Century
Obeka Simon
Painting - 91.4 x 91.4 x 2.5 cm Painting - 36 x 36 x 1 inch
€2,552
Surely I Will Fly - 21st Century
Obeka Simon
Painting - 76.2 x 101.6 x 2.5 cm Painting - 30 x 40 x 1 inch
€2,552
La Voyageur (Traveller 2) - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Modern, Women
Alawaye Tope
Painting - 121.9 x 121.9 x 2.5 cm Painting - 48 x 48 x 1 inch
€2,689
Excitingly Waiting - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Modern, Women, Love
Joshua Salami
Painting - 121.9 x 91.4 x 2.5 cm Painting - 48 x 36 x 1 inch
€2,598
On Your Tomb They Won't Smell Nice - 21st Century, Contemporary, Floral, Women
Obeka Simon
Painting - 50.8 x 66 x 2.5 cm Painting - 20 x 26 x 1 inch
€1,504
Moment He Gave Me Flowers
Joshua Salami
Painting - 61 x 61 x 2.5 cm Painting - 24 x 24 x 1 inch
€1,504
Sometimes I Talk To My Shadow 1 - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Women (1)
Obeka Simon
Painting - 45.7 x 55.9 x 2.5 cm Painting - 18 x 22 x 1 inch
€1,504
My Favorite Head Gear - 21st Century, Expressionist, Figurative Landscape, Men
Joshua Salami
Painting - 61 x 61 x 2.5 cm Painting - 24 x 24 x 1 inch
€1,504
Unique (African Allure) 1
Oluwafemi Akanmu
Painting - 81.3 x 61 x 2.5 cm Painting - 32 x 24 x 1 inch
€1,914
Deserted Boat Santorini
Dondi Schwartz
Painting - 90 x 130 x 3 cm Painting - 35.4 x 51.2 x 1.2 inch
€1,100
Wedding Guest - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Portrait, Woman, African
Agwunwa Theophilus
Painting - 91.4 x 61 x 2.5 cm Painting - 36 x 24 x 1 inch
€2,552
Ray of Hope - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Portrait, Woman, African
Agwunwa Theophilus
Painting - 101.6 x 91.4 x 2.5 cm Painting - 40 x 36 x 1 inch
€2,962
Optimistic - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Women, African Fabric
Oluwafemi Afolabi
Painting - 61 x 61 x 2.5 cm Painting - 24 x 24 x 1 inch
€1,914
Discover the styles & movements
Discover the selection of our experts
Love and Flowers - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Africa, Women
Taiwo Odejinmi
Painting - 91.4 x 61 x 2.5 cm Painting - 36 x 24 x 1 inch
€2,233
Discord
Thandiwe Muriu
Photography - 120 x 120 x 0.2 cm Photography - 47.2 x 47.2 x 0.1 inch
€13,000
Untitled
Oluwatimileyin Tega Adegbenjo
Painting - 61 x 50.8 x 2.5 cm Painting - 24 x 20 x 1 inch
€1,139
Support System (Respect) - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Construction
Ephraim Udoka
Fine Art Drawings - 63.5 x 53.3 x 2.5 cm Fine Art Drawings - 25 x 21 x 1 inch
€1,185
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.