No Longer On The Margins: How Women Are Outperfoming Men In Africas Art Market

In 2024, the top five highest-priced sales of African art were all by women, according to research, reflecting increased recognition and demand for their work When female African artists collectively surpassed men in auction sales in 2023 for the first time, many dismissed it as an anomaly. But the trend persisted. In 2024 women maintained a strong 52.8 share of sales, despite a broader decline in the African art market. This shift marks a significant moment in art market history, particularly as global sales of women artists have not yet reached parity with men, says Lindsay Dewar, chief operating officer of research company . The African art scene stands out as a leader, where women artists are thriving and performing exceptionally well.