Where To Get Quality Paintings in Nigeria
By Staff Writer
Nigeria is one of the most culturally diverse nations in the world. Having more than 250 ethnic groups and languages of which art is an integral part of each.
Nigeria's strides in art and craft can be dated to as far back as 1500BC when Nok art is said to have been visible in Nigeria. Another of such renowned art is the Ife art which is traced back to hundreds of years ago.
Apart from sculpting, drawing and other art forms, painting is one of the most popular art forms in Nigeria. Nigeria has birthed the multiple award-winning paint artists like Ben Enwonwu, who painted one of Nigeria's most famous paintings called "Nigerian princess(TUTU) portrait" and a host of other famous paintings. We are blessed with a host of world class paint artists who have made giant strides across Africa and indeed the world.
However, most artists in Nigeria are into abstract painting, but most recently, the new generation of artists are more inclined to hyper-realistic paintings.
Nigerian Paint Artists and their Famous Paintings.
Nigeria is often called the giant of Africa, not just for its massive popular size of over 200 million people, but mostly because of the giant strides that the country has made in all areas of life. However, most of Nigeria's greatest achievements are in arts and sports.
Let me introduce you to some of Nigeria's cum Africa's most famous paint artists and their renowned paintings
- Ben Enwonwu: Ben is often referred to as the father of modern painting in Nigeria. He became famous for his "Nigerian princess(Tutu) panting" which was auctioned out for a whooping 1.7 million USD. He was unarguably "Africa's Greatest Artist" according to international media.
- Sam Ebohon : Sam is one of Nigeria's greatest treasures. His vivid colours and composition style stands him out among other painters. He has exhibited his famous "Colour in Motion" portraits at home and abroad and has gotten massive accolades.
- Tola Wewe: Tola is another gifted Nigerian painter, who is famous for his beautiful paintings. One of such great art is the popular "Kindred Spirit portrait" which was painted in 2014 and has been exhibited both home and abroad.
Where to Buy Paintings in Nigeria
In a country as large as Nigeria, it can be rather difficult to scout for art works around the country. However, markets are available for artists both online and offline to showcase their masterpieces.
Artists are however putting up their works for sale on various online art exhibition sites such as
● https://craftsvillage.com.ng/
● https://olist.ng/arts-crafts
● https://www.finelib.com/shopping/arts-and-crafts
● https://www.jumia.com.ng/painting-drawing-art-supplies/
Moreover, you can also get to buy paintings at exhibitions such as the ARF X LAGOS that is held annually to showcase Nigerian arts and also feature other art galleries around the world.
Furthermore, there is a physical art and craft market in Lagos,Nigeria. The market is called Lekki Art and Craft market.
The Lekki Arts and Craft market ( also known as Oba Elegushi international market or Jakande Art Market) is a well structured art market. It has well over 600 stores exhibiting the best of Nigerian paintings and art works. The market is located in Nigeria's Commercial Capital Lagos, and can be easily located.
Another popular location to get quality Nigerian paintings is the Nike Art gallery.
Nike Art gallery is located in Lekki,Lagos Nigeria. It houses thousands of local art works. The gallery is mostly dominated with paintings collected from various artists across Nigeria. The prices of paintings in the Gallery ranges from $100 to millions of dollars.
However, there are a number of other very good art galleries in Nigeria to go searching for local paintings. Some of such are:
- LVi Art Gallery and Cultural Nexus, Lekki, Lagos.
- Thoughts Pyramid Art centre, Abuja.
- Red Door ART Gallery,Lagos
- Vivid Exclusive art Gallery,Lagos
- Ovuomaroro Studio and Gallery, Lagos
- Dolapo Obat Gallery, Lagos
- Alexis Gallery, Lagos
- Oshodi art Gallery, Ikorodu, Lagos
- Nike Arts centre, Osogbo, Osun, Nigeria
Prices of Paintings in Nigeria
The prices of paintings in Nigeria depends largely on the quality and sizes of paintings that you wish to buy. A painting that is well sorted after will be far more expensive than the other ones. Also, paintings with bigger frames will be valued higher than the smaller ones .
Generally, the prices of most paintings in Nigeria are largely dependent on your bargaining power. However, the prices of paintings currently range from $100- $1million depending on the artist, and novelty of the painting. A lot of great paintings can be had for less than $300.
The price for a single portrait will be within the ranges of $100 -$1041.
However, the prices can go as high as $1500 depending on the size of the painting.
Top Talents in Nigeria
However, notwithstanding, Nigeria has a list of very good paint artists who can blow your mind. Some of the best painters are:
● Olumide Oresegun
● Aniefiok Idim
● Sam ebohon
And numerous other renowned painters.
Conclusion
Nigeria is blessed with very many talented paint artists. Therefore, there are tonnes of paintings to buy from and new ones every single day . Paintings in Nigeria are also considerably cheaper than what you'll get elsewhere in the globe, yet Nigerian artists provide some of the best quality paintings and their work just need to be explored to appreciate.