As early as 2010, Artcurial organized Africa Scenes in Paris — the first auction dedicated to contemporary African creation — featuring 65 artists from 24 different nationalities.

Building on this momentum, the house launched the African Spirit sales in 2017 as part of its innovative Paris#Marrakech auction format. In 2019, Artcurial opened its Marrakech branch, becoming the first international auction house to establish a permanent presence in Africa. This strategic milestone has allowed the company to forge privileged ties with artists, institutions, and collectors across the African continent and the Middle East.

Over the years, Artcurial has achieved major international results and world records for leading artists such as Abdoulaye Konaté with Papillon bleu pour Fès, Seydou Keïta with L’Odalisque, Omar Victor Diop with Omar Ibn Said, as well as Barthélémy Toguo, Aboudia, Chéri Samba, Bodys Isek Kingelez, Romuald Hazoumè, Ouattara Watts, and Dylan Lewis.

In parallel, the department has continued its development in Paris. In 2021, Artcurial was instrumental in the rediscovery of key modern movements such as the École du Hangar and the École de Dakar, with dedicated sales that positioned the house as a leading reference for artists like Pilipili Mulongoy — achieving a world record and five museum preemptions.

Today, contemporary African art is featured prominently within Artcurial’s Twenty One Contemporary sales. These auctions present a sharp selection of emerging talents from the international scene, with particular attention to diaspora voices and artists from Africa, the Caribbean, and African-American communities. By anticipating the tastes of a new generation of collectors, Artcurial continues to break new ground, establishing strong results for artists such as Julien Creuzet, Marion Boehm, and Omar Ba.

Our specialists, based in Paris and Marrakech, are available throughout the year to offer free and confidential valuations of your artworks and to advise you on the best strategy for sale.