Notes on the African art market
Short write-ups when an index updates, plus themed selections of work pulled from what we track. Written for people who follow this market.
REWA: the self-taught painter rebuilding Igbo heritage in portraiture
A self-taught Nigerian painter known as REWA built an institutional footprint, from ReLe Gallery's 2017 Young Contemporary slot to Zeitz MOCAA, on a practice she calls Igbo Vernacular Art, before any of it shows up in Okasen's own market data.
Artist spotlight · 28 October 2026
Why so few African galleries make it onto the floor at Art Basel or Frieze
Industry note · 28 October 2026
Every OKN index fell last month. They didn't fall for the same reason.
Market commentary · 26 October 2026
Africa is building museums for returned art. Most of them aren't ready.
Industry note · 25 October 2026
The only new name in the OKN Movers top 10 isn't new to anyone who's been paying attention
Market commentary · 25 October 2026
One Irma Stern Sale, Three Prices 109 Times Apart
Market commentary · 20 October 2026
Diaspora buyers are the biggest demand source in African art. No index tracks them.
Industry note · 19 October 2026
Oliver Enwonwu Is Building His Own Market Beside His Father's Legacy
Artist spotlight · 19 October 2026
Charles Gotthard just jumped 77 spots on OKN Movers. That's not a typo.
Market commentary · 19 October 2026
Kate Gottgens jumped twelve spots on OKN Movers. No auction record explains it.
Market commentary · 8 October 2026
Claire Gavronsky: the South African painter whose figures keep merging into one another
Artist spotlight · 7 October 2026
Who Authenticates a $10 Million African Painting?
Industry note · 6 October 2026
Want this read for your own collection?
An advisor can tell you what the market data means for the specific works you hold or want.