Top 50 Best-Selling Nigerian Visual Artists (2025)

Tier 1: International Auction Stars & Market Leaders

These artists have sold works for six or seven figures (in USD) in global auctions and exhibitions.

1. Njideka Akunyili Crosby – Mixed media portraiture; global auction record breaker

2. Toyin Ojih Odutola – Rich textured drawings; exhibited in top museums

3. Duke Asidere – Bold expressionist painter; strong collector market in Nigeria & abroad

4. Peju Alatise – Sculptor & storyteller; Biennale and international acclaim

5. Victor Ehikhamenor – Spiritual, symbolic paintings; global exhibitions

6. Bruce Onobrakpeya – Legendary printmaker & painter; foundational to Nigerian modernism

7. Ben Enwonwu (Late) – Works continue to fetch high auction prices posthumously

8. Olu Amoda – Metal sculptor using found objects; international commissions

9. Nnenna Okore – Organic sculptural installations; widely collected

10. Yinka Shonibare CBE – Conceptual installations & photography; internationally collected

Tier 2: Established & Mid-Career Artists with Strong Sales

These names consistently perform well in galleries, private sales, and African art auctions.

11. Olu Ajayi – Veteran painter known for expressive figures and modern forms

12. Babajide Olatunji – Hyperrealist works exploring African identity

13. Kolade Oshinowo – Renowned for cultural and societal-themed paintings

14. Tola Wewe – Symbolist painter blending Yoruba tradition with abstraction

15. Sam Ovraiti – Watercolorist & abstract artist; widely respected

16. Tony Nsofor – Known for his contemporary figurative art

17. Uche Okeke (Late) – Nsukka movement pioneer; work still in demand

18. Chika Idu – Marine-themed impressionist painter with global collectors

19. Abiodun Olaku – Master of realism; Lagos cityscapes highly collectable

20. George Edozie – Colorful modernist paintings; widely exhibited

Tier 3: Global Exposure & Commercial Growth

These artists are rising stars internationally and frequently featured in group shows and fairs.

21. Nengi Omuku – Textured, surreal figures; exhibited in UK and Nigeria

22. Samson Bakare – Rising painter-sculptor; featured by Gucci

23. Oluwole Omofemi – Afro-centric portraits with a rising international base

24. Abe Odedina – Folk-pop aesthetic; London-based Nigerian artist

25. Sejiro Avoseh – Vibrant urban-style works; featured in art fairs globally

26. Ndidi Emefiele – Feminist, futuristic themes; strong collector interest

27. Victoria Udondian – Textile-focused mixed media with global commissions

28. Ibe Ananaba – Fluid figurative style; works in ink and acrylic

29. Ayogu Kingsley – Hyperrealism and Afro-heroism

30. Ken Nwadiogbu – Contemporary artist blending realism with activism

Tier 4: Cultural Icons & Collectors’ Favorites

They enjoy strong patronage in Nigeria and abroad and frequently headline shows.

31. David Dale (Late) – Mosaic master and stained-glass specialist

32. Peju Layiwola – Professor and bronze sculptor; cultural commentary

33. Titi Omoighe (Late) – Female painter and arts educator

34. Gani Odutokun (Late) – Abstract modernist; foundational figure

35. Durodola Yusuf – Emerging abstractionist

36. Tosin Kalejaye – Pop-cultural themes with figurative focus

37. Uche James-Iroha – Leading fine art photographer

38. Obiora Udechukwu – Poet and painter from the Nsukka School

39. Chinwe Chukwuogo-Roy (Late) – Painted the Queen; global recognition

40. Gerald Chukwuma – Recycled wood art; visually unique works

Tier 5: Young Collectables & High-Growth Potential Artists

The new wave—social media savvy, sought after in auctions and fairs.

41. Abi Salami – Whimsical, afro-surrealist painter

42. Logor Oluwamuyiwa – Black-and-white street photographer

43. Jelili Atiku – Performance & installation artist; global residencies

44. Chiamonwu Joy – Hyperrealist young woman from Enugu

45. Nduka Abigaba – Figurative painter with historical Afro themes

46. Ayanfe Olarinde – Line and ink artist with massive social media following

47. Williams Chechet – Pop art & Afrobeat digital mashups

48. Emeka Udemba – Mixed media visual critic

49. Emeka Ogboh – Sound artist; internationally shown

50. Ayo Filade – Vibrant portraiture with contemporary Afro themes