Enwonwu’s Ogolo goes for N41 milliom, leads Arthouse Auction sales in Lagos

Ben Enwonwu’s Ogolo, watercolour on paper, dated 1992, was the top sale of the evening at Arthouse Auction, which held on Monday at Kia Motors Showroom, Victoria Island, Lagos. It sold for N41,125,000 ($114,236).

The auction, which featured 82 lots by leading masters and contemporary artists, recorded total sales of N1.3, 775m ($288,264).

According to a statement from Arthouse, Enwonwu’s Negritude, another watercolour on paper dated 1994, sold for N9.4m ($26,111).

Other sales included Rom Isichei’s Hope Enkindles Her Eyes, a mixed media on canvas (2018), sold for N6.462m ($17,951); Ablade Glover’s Blue Profile, oil on canvas (2015), N5,287,500 ($14,688); and Kolade Oshinowo’s Back Home, a 2008 oil on canvas sold for N4,112,500 ($11,424).

The auction also included, charity lots in support of the Lagos Biennial, raising N2.20m for the second edition holding later this year.

Founded in 2007, Arthouse Contemporary is an international auction house that specialises in modern and contemporary art from West Africa. With auctions held twice a year in Lagos, Arthouse Contemporary aims to create awareness of the scope of contemporary art in the region, encourage international recognition towards its talented artists, and strengthen the economy of its art market.

Arthouse Contemporary is proudly supported by Kia Showroom, Le Connaisseur, 7UP, Chocolat Royal and The Guardian.