Female African Artists Outperform In The Global Art Market

"Art has the power to challenge conventions and provoke thought." These words are not from a Western art scholar, or a wealthy American sculptor, but from Ethiopian artist Julie Mehretu, who was the best-selling artist in the African art market last year. Her abstract acrylic and ink painting on canvas, Mumbaphilia , sold for 5.8m at a Christie's auction in 2024, making her the best-selling artist of the year.

And her success is no fluke, either. Over the past few years female artists from the continent have not only gained prominence but have also begun outperforming their male counterparts in auction sales, critical recognition and global influence. Long overlooked, they are now commanding the spotlight - and record-breaking prices.

In 2023, female African artists collectively surpassed men in auction sales for the first time. In 2024, despite a broader decline in the African art market, women achieved a 52.8 share of sales of African art, to the value of 22m, with 452 women represented - an increase from 288 in 2023, according to art research company ArtTactic. The five highest-priced works were all by women, with Mehretu leading the rankings.

Coming in as a close second in terms of sales was the South African modernist Irma Stern 1894-1966, whose works, influenced by German expressionism, still remain in demand almost 60 years after her death. Pictured: Stern's Malay Girl with Hibiscus at Christie's, London

Works by Nigerian visual artists Njideka Akunyili Crosby and Toyin Ojih Odutola, as well as the South African painter Marlene Dumas, also sold for more than 1m last year in auctions and sales.