TKMG Lagos Art Auction Holds on May 1

Aso-Ebi  by Kolade Oshinowo

Rebecca Ejifoma

The Terrakulture Mydrim Gallery (TKMG) Lagos Art Auction 2015, which will hold on Friday May 1 at the Terrakulture Art Gallery, Vitoria Island, Lagos, will display 90 art works of different artists from West Africa.

The auction preview, which started on Sunday April 26, will run until April 30 to set the stage for the biggest auction. With a display of 90 abstract art works of both emerging and master artists within and outside the country.

This was disclosed at a media briefing at the weekend at Terrakulture, where the curator, Ronke Akinleye explained that works of artists including the iconic Bruce Onobrakpeya, Abayomi Barber, Kolade Oshinowo, Ablade Glover will be on sales. For the emerging artists, whom the aution house is responsible for bring to the forefront include Olawunmi Banjo, Onadipe and Oyewole Olufemi.

Speaking further, the curator said that the choice of the auctioneer for this year remains Mr. Yinka Akinkugbe. “Mr. Akinkugbe has proved to be the best beyond doubts; he knows his onions.”

Continuing, Ronke enthused that over the years, the auction house has sold works of artists like Ben Enwonwu, El Anatsui, Ben Osawe, Erhabor Emokpae and Lamidi Fakeye among others. “We hope to have many art professionals and visitors attend the art auction. We believe it is an essential place for professionals, art connoisseurs and artists to meet.”

  Plastogragh & Etching by Bruce Onobrakpeya

They assured that works are unique in all ramifications. And there will be artists from Togo, Benin republic and Ghana among other West African countries. “There is art for everybody. For those who love art but cannot afford the masters’ works, we have fine works of these emerging artists too. This way everyone can have something to go back home with.”

Interestingly, the art house stated that the auction is not about making money but growing the Nigerian art. According to the house, “We are selling and buying Nigerian artists. We’ve grown it to be where it is today.” Adding that TKMG is growing an industry and creating a legacy.

Therefore, TKMG succinctly puts, “We are the biggest auction house in Nigeria. So, we are creating a platform, where people will know the value of art – we’re growing both the young and the old.”