Tiwa Savage
Nigeria’s rapidly expanding art market has another addition in a new art gallery to open the space in an unconventional manner. It is not the usual house gallery with spotlights and artworks neatly displayed and waiting patiently to be acquired. It is simply an online art gallery known as NIGERIANART.NET, designed and set up to catch up with the current marketing trends globally. Just by a click and a push, art lovers all over the world can now have their favourite collections delivered at their doorsteps.
Manager for Nigerianart.net, Sunday Paul Kadiri, said over 1,400 artworks, ranging from paintings to sculptures of different experimental media, are currently enjoying exposure locally and internationally on the online platform. Established only six months ago, he said the reception has been warm, both from the artists and from many collectors of art.
“We have travelled wide and far to meet artists in every corner of the country,” he stated. “There is an abundance of talent in Nigeria. Most of our staff are artists, too. So, our technical know-how is unquestionable. The experience has been helping our brothers and sisters to get their artwork in the limelight. The appetite for great art from Nigeria is on the rise.
In Lagos, Port Harcourt and Abuja over the last months, there have been several art exhibitions. Some of these exhibitions are sponsored by banks, companies and foreign embassies. From abroad, too, there is also an increase in interest. Added to our kitty, we have partnership deals with foreign galleries abroad for the exposure of Nigerian art abroad. It is a deal that actually separates us from our local competitors.”
Kadiri is so convinced that the future is now brighter than it has ever been in a long while for the country’s painters and sculptors.
On the website, Kadiri noted, are works of art that seem pricey, with some of them valued at several thousands of U.S. dollars, but added that there are artworks valued at only USD$50. He also noted that there is no discrimination whatsoever, as the door is open to every class of individuals or corporate art collectors.
“Nigerianart.net features works of art of the best contemporary Nigeria artists and also includes budding artists, who we believe, can become the masters of tomorrow. The holiday season is here and manufacturers are busy mass-producing to meet the usually high demand of products associated with the yuletide season. At Nigerianart.net, we are also currently busy promoting the gallery, not only to the art collectors worldwide but to those who want to share something unique.
“So, by giving a piece of art, you are giving a gift that is unique and which appreciates in value overtime. Artwork does not expire, nor is it subject to wear and tear; it does not become obsolete by the presence of new models either. Great art, over time, becomes more valuable and attracts higher net worth like the Monalisa recently sold at a whooping sum of $450 million!”
