Friday night in Lagos usually spells ‘TGIF’, hanging out, social events and the like. No one wants to have a ‘dulling weekend’.
But Friday the 31st of October, in the Lagos art scene, had a different event in store. Art-lovers were treated to The ArtHouse Auction cocktail!
ArtHouse Contemporary Limited, a leading auction art company in Nigeria, organized a weekend-long event for the auction at The Wheatbaker Hotel, Ikoyi.
Kicking-off the weekend was the ArtHouse Cocktail on Friday 31st of October. This featured a preview of the artworks to be auctioned, refreshments, as well as an opportunity to network with fellow guests. The auction catalogues, and previous editions, were available for sale at the venue. It was the ideal environment to view the latest artworks by both upcoming artists and the great artists of West Africa.
Just picture a nice drink in hand, auction catalogue in the other, and having a first-hand insight into the minds of leading artists in West Africa through their artworks. After all, their art was the reason for the gathering. Some individuals had an expression of deep understanding of the works, a few took a step back in order to understand the concepts better, and others were engrossed in passionate discussions about particular artworks that caught their interest.
Being able to peruse works of the likes of Peju Alatise, Ben Enwonwu, Kofi Aghorsor, Sokari Douglas-Camp, etc.; definitely an art-lover’s ideal way to start the weekend. Wooden sculptures, oil paintings, woven artwork, beaded work, photographs, steel work; you name it. Regardless of the form of art one finds favorable, there was something for everyone.
The auction itself was an interesting experience. Slightly more formal than the cocktail. It took place on Monday 3rd of November. The organizers kept to time as much as possible and, along with the auctioneer, made the auction sale a smooth event. Auction catalogue in hand, most people were sure to mark their favorite artwork and make notes of the eventual sale price.
For more information on ArtHouse Contemporary Limited and the auction, visit www.arthouse-ng.com.
To the avid art-lovers out there, like myself, be sure not to miss out on the next auction slated for next year.
Layo Bright
