The Chief Executive Officer of Garga Art Galleries, Aliyu Aminu Ahmed, has said the value of contemporary art is not absolute but constantly negotiated through networks of influence.

Speaking at an industry event in Abuja, Ahmed explained that artistic worth is shaped by critics, curators, dealers, collectors, and institutions that collectively determine what is recognized, celebrated, or overlooked in the art world.

He noted that art criticism, though diminished in mainstream journalism, remains essential. According to him, a single review can propel an unknown painter into the spotlight, while silence can consign others to obscurity.

Ahmed also stressed the impact of trend makers, fair organizers, and dealers, saying their curatorial choices can rapidly transform an artist’s career, from art fair placements to biennale exhibitions. He added that value is often manufactured at the intersection of prestige, money, and perception.

On the role of galleries, he described them as arbiters and arenas that provide visibility and infrastructure while also serving as contested spaces where local and global dynamics collide.

He pointed out that emergent galleries in Lagos, Seoul, and São Paulo are challenging Western dominance by re-centering local histories and aesthetics in global conversations.

The Garga Art Galleries CEO called for inclusivity and balance in the art ecosystem. He said value should be understood not only in terms of price but also meaning, context, and the interplay between creation and recognition.