Photo by Alexander Schimmeck on Unsplash

In the global art market, male artists traditionally hold sway, particularly in terms of pricing. However, the African art market stands out as a unique exception, where artworks by women command the highest auction results. Among the notable figures in this realm are Ethiopian-born Julie Mehretu and South African-born Marlene Dumas, whose works have garnered significant attention and acclaim.

Adding to this diverse mix are artists such as South African Irma Stern, who, despite being white, occupies a prominent position in the top ranks of the African art market. Additionally, Nigerian American Njideka Akunyili Crosby, based in Los Angeles, has made a remarkable impact with her art, further enriching the landscape of female artists in the market.

The strength of the African art market is particularly evident in its support for contemporary artists, with a noteworthy emphasis on the works of women. Lindsay Dewar, head of analytics at ArtTactic, emphasized this trend during a panel discussion on the African art market, hosted by the Cape Town-based auction house, Strauss & Co. She remarked, " It’s a market that people are still eager to participate in and are still actively participating in.", highlighting the ongoing enthusiasm and participation within the sector