Nigerian Artists …

Two unique artists to follow.

This week, we’re bringing you another edition of our monthly ‘Top male and female artists from…’ series.

Let us introduce to you: Njideka Akunyili Crosby, ranked 900 globally, and No. 2 in Nigeria, and Emeka Ogboh ranked 941 globally, and No. 3 in Nigeria. (Otobong Nkanga is No.1 in Nigeria, but we have already explored her talent in previous newsletters.)

Njideka Akunyili Crosby centers the complexity of black life in her works, which are decidedly intimate, drawing you in as they invite you to share a moment in their space.

Njideka Akunyili Crosby, Obodo (Country/City/Town/Ancestral Village), 2019

Her process – combining paper transfers of personal photos, collected images, or album covers from Nigeria, with painting, allows for a fluid weaving in and out of time and place- Connecting her past in Nigeria and her present in the United States. She has been on the circuit for a mere 10 years, yet has managed to glide her way up to a place in the top 1000 artists on Artfacts with speed, grace, and ease.

Following her graduation from Yale University School of Art, the beginning of her career was kick-started by her selection for the prestigious Artist-in-Residence position at the Studio Museum in Harlem 2011-2012. She participated in the 58th Venice Biennale, and is in an impressive array of museum collections, such as that of the Whitney Museum of American ArtThe Metropolitan Museum of Art, and Tate Modern, to name a few. She is represented by Victoria Miro Gallery– Ranked 6 in the United Kingdom, 67 globally and David Zwirner Gallery– Ranked 4 in the United States, 6 globally.

EXPLORE ARTIST

Emeka Ogboh is known for soundscapes collected from his home town of Lagos, Nigeria. His works transport the listener, reshaping the resonant space around them and imparting new meaning to a city’s cacophony.

Emeka Ogboh, Verbal Mapping, South Africa, 2012

Like Akunyili Crosby, his career has accelerated quickly, starting in 2009, and has participated in a significant number of Biennales for this period- a highlight being the 56th Venice Biennale.

As a number of artists, his skillset has transformed and shifted- His initial exploration into soundscapes has developed into a music career as well, influenced by his time living in Berlin, his new album ‘Beyond the Yellow Haze’ was released on Jan 15, 2021- we listened to it whilst writing this, and love it.

He is represented by Galerie Imane Farès– Ranked 48 in France and 584 globally.

EXPLORE ARTIST

The two artists have impressive Trends trajectories for their careers and we have high hopes for the creative futures of both.

With that, we leave you to further explore the sights and sounds captured by these two artists celebrating their diverse, vibrant past and blending it with their western present. Don’t stop there- Jump on our Nigeria page to discover a number of other inspiring artists.

Let’s make history happen.

The Artfacts Team

P.S.
We need your help: We have significantly less data on countries in Africa, than in other parts of the world. If you have insights, please share them with us.

We aim to have comprehensive data for as many countries in the world as we can.