In this report our focus is on the analysis of modern lots offered by dedicated African art auctions or departments. We compare the six month period from January to June 2020 with that of 2021 to detect any significant changes in the value, sales and distribution of modern art at auctions. 

 

The findings presented here are based on the analysis of;

• 45 auctions 

• Over 9000 lots offered for sale between January 2020 and June 2021.

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This report analyses all the dedicated African sales conducted by the following auction houses;

• Sotheby's (London)

• Bonhams (London, New York)

• Artcurial (Paris, Marrakesh)

• Piasa (Paris)

• Strauss & Co (Cape Town, Joburg)

• Aspire Art Auctions (Cape Town, Joburg)

• Compagnie Marocaine des Oeuvres et Objets d'Art (Casablanca)

• Arthouse (Lagos)

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Through our analysis we discovered ;

• If the market for modern African Art is more or less robust than it was in 2020.

• Which auction houses have the highest sell-through rate of modern art.

• Which auction house lead in the sale of modern African art. 

• If the sell-through rate of modern art has increased or decreased.

• If the value of modern art has increased or decreased.

• Which auction house and in which country are the highest records for modern art achieved.

• If modern art fetched higher sums in Europe opposed to Africa.

• Which artists secure the highest turnover at auctions across Africa and Europe.

• Which artists's works most often exceed the high estimates set for them.

• The top selling works across all sales during this time period. 

 

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