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Retro Africa Gallery: A Breakout Star at Tokyo Gendai 2024

The second edition of Tokyo Gendai, a contemporary art fair aiming to put Japan back on the global art map, wrapped up with a bang. While the number of galleries dipped slightly– from 73 galleries to 69–strong sales figures hint at a bright future.


Tokyo Gendai
Robert Longo at Pace Gallery, Tokyo Gendai, 2024 © Robert Longo _ Artists Rights Society(ARS), New York Courtesy Pace Gallery Photo_ Yulia Skogoreva

One big takeaway? The growing interest in African art in Asia. Retro Africa Gallery, a Nigerian-based gallery, had a presentation titled  'Heart to Heart: A Sonata of Love and Being' and showed works by Yusuff Aina, Samuel Nnorom, Henri Abraham Univers, and Abe Ogunlende.


The results? Impressive. Samuel Nnorom sold two works for $10,000 and $17,000 each, with Abe Ogunlende following suit at $5,000 and $2,000 also with two works.


Yusuff Aina wasn't left behind either, finding a buyer for a $3,000 work. Even more negotiations were underway for another Nnorom piece and two by Henri Abraham Univers – a clear sign that African art is captivating collectors worldwide.


Tokyo Gendai
An installation view of Retro Africa's booth at Tokyo Gendai 2024

But Tokyo Gendai wasn't just about Africa. A Robert Longo drawing sold by Pace Gallery for a cool $750,000 grabbed the top billing. This, along with comments from fair co-founder Magnus Renfrew, confirms Tokyo Gendai's success in connecting Japan's art scene with international heavyweights.


Diversity was another key feature. Held at PACIFICO Yokohama, the fair offered something for everyone, with prices ranging from a budget-friendly $3,000 to the aforementioned mega-sale.


Galleries were categorized by experience and style, ensuring a well-curated experience. Interestingly, a significant portion of sales went to local collectors, showcasing a thriving domestic art market in Japan.


Tokyo Gendai
Henri Abraham Univers L’Ange et l’oiseau bleu, 2024

Tokyo Gendai's success signifies Japan's potential to reclaim a prominent position in the international art market. By fostering connections between local and international players, the fair is poised to play a key role in this ongoing development.


Building on this momentum, Tokyo Gendai has announced a strategic move for its 2025 edition: new fall dates positioned right after Frieze Seoul. This strategic scheduling suggests Tokyo Gendai is poised to become a major player in the international art fair circuit.

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Retro Africa Gallery: A Breakout Star at Tokyo Gendai 2024

July 16, 2024

Obidike Okafor

2 min read

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