3rd Jun, 2026 12:00
Live Sale: Modern & Contemporary African and Middle Eastern Art, June 2026
9
OLUWOLE OMOFEMI (NIGERIAN B.1988)
EARLY LESSONS FOR TOMORROW III
signed and dated Oluwole Omofemi / 16 lower right
oil on canvas
70 x 85.8cm; 27 1/2 x 33 3/4in
unframed
This contemplative oil on canvas work represents Omofemi's practice in a formative period immediately preceding the surge of international recognition that followed his 2020 London solo exhibition The Way We Are at Signature African Art, Mayfair. Rather than depicting a central figure, this work captures an intimate genre scene: two sisters sit together to read. The high colour contrast of the composition recalls the painterly innovations of Caravaggio, whilst the expressive brushwork demonstrates an affinity with the modernist tradition. The two works herein featured in this auction together offer a compelling opportunity to trace the development of one of the most sought-after figurative painters working in Nigeria today.
See note to lot 8
Sold for £2,600
EARLY LESSONS FOR TOMORROW III
signed and dated Oluwole Omofemi / 16 lower right
oil on canvas
70 x 85.8cm; 27 1/2 x 33 3/4in
unframed
This contemplative oil on canvas work represents Omofemi's practice in a formative period immediately preceding the surge of international recognition that followed his 2020 London solo exhibition The Way We Are at Signature African Art, Mayfair. Rather than depicting a central figure, this work captures an intimate genre scene: two sisters sit together to read. The high colour contrast of the composition recalls the painterly innovations of Caravaggio, whilst the expressive brushwork demonstrates an affinity with the modernist tradition. The two works herein featured in this auction together offer a compelling opportunity to trace the development of one of the most sought-after figurative painters working in Nigeria today.
See note to lot 8
Auction: Live Sale: Modern & Contemporary African and Middle Eastern Art, June 2026, 3rd Jun, 2026
If you want to start collecting striking modern and contemporary art in a newly developing market, our sales are for you. Each spring and autumn, the Modern and Contemporary African and Middle Eastern Department hold tightly curated, live and online auctions. Expect to find Arab artists such as Rabab Nemr, Ahmed Farid, Seif Wanly and Fateh Moudarres. African artists featured have ranged from modern masters such as Ablade Glover, Sam Ntiro and Jacob Hendrik Pierneef, to contemporary artists George Lilanga, Jilali Gharbaoui, Famakan Magassa, Christano Mangovo, Oluwole Omofemi, Esther Mahlangu and Brett Seiler.
PUBLIC EXHIBITION:
Sunday 31st May: 12pm to 4pm
Monday 1st June: 10am to 8.30pm (Drinks 6-8.30pm)
Tuesday 2nd June: 10am to 5pm
