For Sogal 2025, contemporary masters join modernist, Barber

Lot 170, 'Yemoja' (oil on canvas, 122 x 81cm, signed and dated 1990) by Abayomi Barber.

MODERNIST Abayomi Barber (1928-2021), highlights the 2025 Sogal Art Auction as contemporary masters across generations and geographical divides converge in display of rare pieces.

The 11th edition, in a yearly auction organised by Signature Beyond Art Gallery, with theme Yemoja, opens for preview on Wednesday, 29 Oct 2025-Friday, 31 Oct 2025, 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., daily at 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 rare pieces from Barber and other modernists in the auction tell the rich history of African art, those of contemporary masters and other 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.

The 2025 auction is truly a celebration of mastery of modernists, contemporary and emerging artists. With Barber's 1990 dated 'Yemoja' as the theme of the auction, depicting the mythology of the Yoruba water goddess, the modernist's rendition of the water scenery and imposing figure is truly worth celebrating. For Heyman, whose strokes represent the resilience of the contemporary generation, his work, Single Room... render more than just a painting of people at rest, but also mirrors their shared humanity, within confinement, of dignity amid scarcity. 

 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."

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).

In reality, Sogal is the only surviving art auction in Nigeria in the past three or more years since the others retreated for whatever reason. "Happy that Signature is continuing to fly the flag for the creative sector!," observers of Lagos secondary market stated. "Brutal business conditions but fortune favours the brave!"

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 in the past 10 years, Sogal auction has 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."