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By Henry Akubuiro
Across generations and geographical locations, the 2025 edition of Sogal Art Auction presents a rare gathering of artists and uncommon collections.
The 11th auction in the yearly event, which is also themed Yemoja, opens for preview on Wednesday, 29 Oct 2025-Friday, 31 Oct 2025, at 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., daily at Signature Beyond Gallery, 107, Awolowo Road Ikoyi, Lagos, Ikoyi, Lagos. The auction starts at the same venue, also online on Sunday, 2 November, 2025, from 5:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m.
As the works of the modern masters in the auction tell the rich history of African art, those of the young generations complement the robustness of the continent’s collections. Among such rare works from the contemporary masters for the auction is ‘Single Room — A Story of Resilience and Togetherness’, by Ogbemi Heyman.
Heyman’s strokes render more than just a painting of people at rest, but also mirrors their shared humanity, within confinement, of dignity amid scarcity. The artist reminds people that even in the smallest spaces, there is warmth, love, and life unbroken.
Heyman’s ‘Single Room’, placed as Lot 83, will be among the remarkable works of the Sogal Auction, so observers predicted. The piece, like other lots in the Sogal auction, has been described as “a celebration of African art that tells our stories honestly and beautifully.”
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Yemoja, the theme,derives its name from the mythology of the water goddess as captured by late modernist, Abayomi Barber (1928-2021). Barber’s Yemoja, oil on canvas painting dated 1990, celebrates the master’s rendition of the water scenery and imposing figure of the goddess Yemoja. The painting also revisits the mastery of Barber’s strokes when it comes to realism painting.
Also featuring in the 11th Sogal Auction are Rah – Bird Mask (Lot 4, 1998), Ogaga Tuodeinye – Untitled (Lot 12, 1992), Amos Okosun Odion – Untitled (Lot 34, 2011), Ben Osawe – Untitled (Lot 35, 1997), Gbenga Offo – Have You Heard (Lot 38, 2005), Sam Ebohon – Untitled (Lot 42, 1993), Idowu Otun – Untitled (Lot 43, 1992), Jimoh Buraimoh – Approach I (Lot 48, 2007), Nsikak Essien – Untitled (Lot 49) and Obi Ekwenchi – Untitled (Lot 60, 1990). Among others are Chuks Anyanwu – Untitled (Lot 61, 1986), Muraina Oyelami – Human Shadow (Lot 65, 1994), Uche Okeke – Untitled (Lot 69, 1958), Jean Martinique Gensin (Côte d’Ivoire) – Untitled (Lot 84), Tony Nsofor – Yellow (Lot 90, 2007), Soly Cissé (Senegal) – Untitled (Lot 102, 1998), and Clary Nelson Cole – Untitled I, II, III (Lot 106, 1990).
Each work reveals a distinct vision, yet together they form a tapestry of African expression — tracing lines of memory, identity, and transformation across time and territory.
Rahman Akar of Signature Beyond enthused that, on the past 10 years, Sogal auction had become a viable platform for established and emerging artists, who took the opportunity to showcase works of the past such as iconic pieces that are as old as the 1950s, as well as energetic and vibrant works of today’s contemporary artists. He added that his gallery “pour our heart and soul into curating this collection, ensuring that every piece refects the rich diversity and depth of African art.”
According to Akar, the journey in the business of art appreciation “began with my own passion for art, which evolved from a hobby into a full-fedged career.” A trained chemical engineer, who turned art collector, Akar revisited the evolution of art appreciation in Lagos. “I have been privileged to witness the evolution of the art scene and to handpick each work with great care,” he added.
Photo caption: Yemoja (oil on canvas, 122 x 81cm, signed and dated 1990) by Abayomi Barber.
