Leading London-based auction house, Bonhams has resolved this year to restructure its Africa Now auction into two sections in a bid to reach collectors and museums across the world. The first section of the auction, Africa Now – Modern Africa will begin with its first sale on May 20, 2015 at Bonhams in London and will feature post-war modern art from Africa by celebrated artists including Ben Enwonwu, Yusuf Grillo, Malangatana Ngwenya, Ablade Glover, Amon Kotei, Kolade Oshinowo Suzanne Wenger, and Uzo Egonu. The second section, Africa Now – Contemporary Africa will hold also its first sale on October 15 to coincide with the annual Frieze Art Fair and 1:54 Contemporary African Art Fair. It will feature work that fits into the current aesthetic of contemporary art from artists like El Anatsui, Ousmane Sow, Malick Sidibe, Cheri Samba, Bruly Bouabre, Jane Alexander, Nicholas Hlobo, and Edson Chagas.
These forthcoming events, as well as the increasing number of art fairs around the world focusing on contemporary African art underscore the growing appreciation of art from the continent.