Paintings | African Art
86 items
Arts
Guardian of the Savannah Elephant Painting
An original acrylic painting on stretched canvas, 90 by 60cm, showing a single bull elephant walking out of a savannah sunset, with acacia trees and a jagged mountain behind it. The whole painting is lit from one place: the sun dropping behind the mountain at the centre of the canvas. Everything in front of that light is in near silhouette, so the elephant is built almost entirely out of shadow, and the few warm touches that do land on it, along the forehead, the top of the trunk and the tusks, are what make it read as an animal rather than a shape. It is a quiet painting for a wall that gets evening light, and it will hold a large space on its own. The canvas is stretched over a wooden frame and the scene is carried around the painted edges, so it hangs as it is and needs no framing. It is signed feroos in the lower right corner. Stock of one, because there is one of it. Hang it out of direct sunlight to keep the sunset colours, and dust it with a dry soft brush rather than a cloth.
£445.00Sold by FEROOS ARTZ • Tanzania
Arts
Together in Harmony | Acrylic Parrot Painting, 60x80cm
Together in Harmony is a hand painted acrylic canvas, 60 by 80cm, of two green parrots perched together on a blossom branch above a running stream. The two birds face each other along the bough, one in pale yellow green and one in deeper green with a blue flash down the tail, and both long tails fall through pink blossom towards the water below. The paint is laid on thickly, so the feathers and the broken white water sit proud of the surface and shift as the light moves across the room. The canvas is signed K Art Witney in the lower right corner. Of the three paintings in this collection this is the warmest and the busiest, so it suits a wall that needs lifting rather than calming: a hallway, a landing or a kitchen. If you want the quiet version of the same idea, the same artist's swan painting carries it at sunrise instead. Supplied unframed as a stretched canvas, painted in Tanzania. Wipe the surface with a dry soft cloth and keep it out of direct sunlight.
£300.00Sold by pamoja creative circle • Tanzania
Arts
Stuck Mixed Media Painting
STUCK captures the quiet confusion that comes from too many competing voices rather than a lack of options. The figure is suspended between culture, society, and personal truth pressures that speak loudly enough to drown out the self. This state of being stuck is subtle: constant thinking without movement, awareness without clarity, and the tension of knowing something is wrong but not knowing what to change. The work reflects how mental health struggles often begin with confusion questioning whether emotions are weakness, fear, exhaustion, or growth while cultural expectations about success, strength, and identity continue to weigh heavily. STUCK represents an internal pause: the moment self-awareness begins but direction has not yet formed. It is not a story of failure, but of recognition giving visibility to those trying to understand themselves in a world that insists on defining them.
£80.00£106.00Sold by CreativeThony • Lagos state
Arts
Cinderella III Oil Painting
Cinderella III is the final piece in a captivating three-painting series by Nigerian artist Muktar Yusuf, measuring 70cm by 80cm in oil on canvas, created in 2024. The Cinderella Series tells the inspiring story of a girl child's journey from innocence to empowerment, from a que sera sera moment of wondering what life holds, to growing into an elegant, beautiful woman who has conquered all obstacles and stands firm with hope. This third instalment represents the culmination of that journey, triumph, grace, and unwavering strength. The rich oil colours and expressive portraiture capture both the beauty and resilience of African womanhood, making this piece a powerful celebration of female empowerment and personal growth. As part of a collectible three-painting series, Cinderella III can stand beautifully on its own or be displayed alongside Cinderella I and II for a stunning narrative triptych. Perfect for collectors of African women's empowerment art, galleries, and spaces that celebrate feminine strength, beauty, and hope.
£300.00£350.00Sold by Muktar Yusuf Art • Lagos
Arts
My Baby | Signed Limited Edition African Art Print, A3
A signed limited edition print of My Baby, an oil on canvas by the Lagos artist Chinemelu Ofoma. Two figures hand in hand on a gold ground, unframed at 30 x 42cm. A tall figure walks forward with one arm stretched back, holding the hand of a slighter figure who is still half turned away. Both are painted as near silhouettes in black oil over a field of ochre and cream, and the brush is dry enough that the canvas weave breaks through the black in places, which is what gives the two bodies their texture. A few loose dark strokes sit low in the picture, the only other marks on the ground. The pull between the two figures is the subject. One is leaving the frame, the other has not moved yet, and the joined hands are the single point where the two shapes meet. The artist's signature is painted into the canvas at the lower right. This is one of a limited edition of 100 prints on paper, each signed by the artist. It is supplied unframed at 30 x 42cm, which is standard A3, so it takes an off the shelf frame. At this size it suits a narrow wall, a bedroom, a nursery or the side of a stairwell, anywhere a single quiet image works better than a group of them. If you want something with more people in it, the same artist's Four Friends print is four figures on the same gold ground, and Nwannem is a portrait of two siblings on the larger A2 sheet. Care: keep it out of direct sunlight, which fades print pigment over time, and frame it behind glass rather than leaving the sheet open to the air. Handle it by the edges until it is framed.
£49.99Sold by Chinemelu Ofoma • Lagos
Arts
Anxiety Cometh Not Oil Painting
Anxiety Cometh (Not) is a large-scale original oil painting on canvas by Nigerian artist Muktar Yusuf, measuring 4 feet by 3 feet and created in 2025. This deeply moving contemporary African artwork addresses the raw reality of mental health struggles, exploring the hollow state that anxiety and emotional exhaustion can create when life's challenges become overwhelming. Through powerful imagery and rich oil colours, the artist captures the tension between despair and the enduring promise of hope. The painting speaks to the universal experience of feeling crushed by circumstance yet finding that only hope can bring warmth and life back to a cold, lifeless state of being. The large canvas format gives this piece commanding presence, making it impossible to ignore in any space. The emotional depth and technical mastery combine to create an artwork that resonates on a profoundly personal level. Perfect for collectors of meaningful contemporary African art, mental health advocates, galleries, and spaces that value art with a purpose. A powerful conversation-starting piece that brings awareness to mental health while celebrating the triumph of hope over anxiety.
£450.00£480.00Sold by Muktar Yusuf Art • Lagos
Arts
Beaded Mixed Media Canvas Art
An original, one-of-a-kind contemporary painting built up in beads, ceramic shards, air-drying clay and acrylic on canvas. The work explores the human connection that grows over time, and the beauty of those bonds in modern life where isolation is increasingly common. Layers of beadwork and broken ceramic give the surface a tactile, sculptural texture that shifts with the light, so the piece reads differently from across a room than it does up close. Measuring 70 x 70 cm, this square mixed media canvas makes a statement wall art piece for a living room, hallway, studio or office, and sits comfortably in both minimal and richly layered interiors. Handmade in Nairobi by artist Njuki, whose practice centres on themes of mending, rewiring and evolution. Because every bead and shard is placed by hand, this is a unique original artwork - no two pieces are alike.
£700.00Sold by Njuki Studio • East Africa
Arts
Daughter of Nations Pencil Art
Daughter of Nations is a drawing about the beauty of our shared history. It is a visual prayer that looks at how we are all connected, no matter where we come from. For months, I focused on the fine details, like the soft folds of her Gele (headwrap), the heavy glow of her Coral Beads and the beauty in her face. But as the drawing came to life, I realized it wasn't just about technique. It was about Remembrance. • A Bridge of Cultures: Her face brings together African and Asian heritage. She reminds us that for thousands of years, our ancestors traveled, lived and grew together. • Symbols of Pride: Her bright Aso Oke fabric and royal beads are signs of a deep global dignity and not just decorations. • A Quiet Strength: She's an unshakeable nobility, showing that different cultures do not have to clash. They can live together in perfect harmony. The Message I need you to understand that I created this piece as a mirror. When you look at her, I hope you don't just see a stranger. I hope you see a part of yourself. She is a reminder that our differences are not walls that keep us apart, but parts of one beautiful human design. "In her eyes, you don't see divided histories...you see the world coming together as one."
£1,800.00Sold by KennyDanielArt • Ondo State
Arts
Messiah Spiritual Ink Drawing
Messiah is an original ink drawing on needlepoint paper by Art of Chine Kosi, measuring 10.5 by 19.5 inches and sold unframed. Created in 2024, this powerful artwork symbolises hope, salvation, and the light that emerges in times of darkness and oppression. Through masterful ink technique and evocative imagery, the artist captures the timeless concept of a messianic figure, a source of hope for the oppressed, a bringer of salvation, and a beacon of light in the darkest moments. The fine detail work on needlepoint paper gives this piece a distinctive textural quality that sets it apart from traditional ink drawings. This original African artwork is perfect for collectors of spiritual and contemplative art, galleries seeking thought-provoking pieces, and anyone who appreciates hand-drawn artwork with deep emotional and philosophical meaning. A truly unique addition to any art collection.
£200.00£250.00Sold by Art of chine kosi • Enugu state, Nigeria.
Arts
Nature's Embrace Acrylic Painting
Nature's Embrace is an original acrylic painting on canvas by Nigerian artist Alogiartz, measuring 51cm by 53cm and signed in 2025. This beautiful nature-inspired contemporary African artwork celebrates the harmonious relationship between humanity and the natural world. Through rich acrylic colours and expressive brushwork, the artist captures the warmth, vitality, and gentle power of nature's embrace. The painting invites viewers to pause and reconnect with the natural beauty that surrounds us, making it an uplifting and grounding addition to any living space. At a perfectly sized 51 by 53cm, this original artwork fits beautifully in living rooms, bedrooms, hallways, and office spaces without overwhelming the room. The warm, organic tones and flowing composition create a sense of calm and balance. Ideal for collectors of contemporary African art, nature lovers, and anyone seeking authentic original artwork that brings the outdoors in. A signed, one-of-a-kind piece that makes a thoughtful gift or a stunning personal collection addition.
£800.00£1,000.00Sold by Alogiartz • Lagos
Arts
Fragments of Expression Painting
Fragments of Expression Painting, an original 80 x 100 cm multi-panel canvas. This piece is divided into distinct sections, each with its own unique patterns and colors, representing different aspects or fragments of expression. The division into multiple panels can symbolize the complexity of thoughts and emotions, with each segment offering a different perspective or mood (80 x 100cm) Framing and shipping incurs extra cost
£250.00Sold by FAJ Abstraction • Abuja
Arts
Babá Onílù Ònírò | Yoruba Gangan Talking Drummer Painting
Babá Onílù Ònírò is an original acrylic painting of a Yoruba elder and his talking drum. The drum is the gangan, the hourglass drum whose pitch bends under the player's arm until it speaks. In Yoruba it does speak. It carries names, praise, lineage, warnings, and the histories that were never written down. The man playing it is not an entertainer. He is a custodian. Painted in expressive realism, with the traditional attire given its full colour, the work is a tribute to African oral tradition and to music as a form of memory. About this piece Artist: Amusan Joshua, 2024 Medium: acrylic on canvas Size: 91 cm x 122 cm, approximately 36 x 48 inches Subject: Yoruba elder drummer, gangan talking drum Edition: original, one of one. This is not a print Care: dust gently with a dry cloth and keep out of direct sunlight
£1,650.00Sold by The Creative Mason • Oyo state
Arts
Beaded Lady Mixed Media Portrait
Beaded Lady Mixed Media Portrait, an original 40 x 50 cm beaded African artwork. This piece is a captivating artwork intricately crafted with beads, portraying a sophisticated woman whose poise and elegance shine through the textured medium. The meticulous arrangement of beads brings her features to life, with her expressive eyes and serene demeanor exuding confidence. (40 x 50cm) Framing and shipping incurs extra cost
£250.00Sold by FAJ Abstraction • Abuja
Arts
Beautiful Cottage | Original Acrylic Landscape, 13x20in
Beautiful Cottage is an original acrylic landscape painting, 13 by 20 inches, with a sandy path winding through flowering trees under a blue and green sky. The greenery is built from hundreds of small dabs of orange, yellow, pink and white laid over deep green, so the leaves read as light rather than as shapes. Thin dark trunks hold the picture together on both sides, and the path runs from the bottom edge into the clearing, which is the brightest part of the canvas. It is a quiet painting, and it does its work in a room where someone sits still. This is the canvas itself, not a print or a reproduction. It is signed Lexis in the lower right corner and there is only one of it. The second photograph shows the painting from the side, on a stretched canvas, with the paint worked right out to the edge. At 13 by 20 inches, roughly 33 by 51cm, it suits a study, a bedroom or a reading corner. Painted in acrylic on canvas. Keep it out of direct sunlight, dust it gently with a dry soft cloth, and never use cleaning fluid on the paint.
£260.00£280.00Sold by Lexis paintings • Ghana
Arts
Seeker Linocut Acrylic Canvas
Seeker is an original reduction linocut and acrylic painting on canvas by Nigerian artist Tosin Oyeniyi. This captivating contemporary African artwork embodies the universal human drive to search for meaning, purpose, and truth. Through the distinctive combination of reduction linocut printmaking and hand-painted acrylic layers, the artist creates a rich, textured composition that rewards close inspection. The reduction linocut process is an irreversible technique where each colour layer is carved from a single block, making every piece truly unique and impossible to replicate. This artistic approach, combined with expressive acrylic brushwork, gives Seeker its remarkable depth and visual complexity. The piece invites contemplation and connects with viewers on an emotional level, making it ideal for spaces that benefit from thought-provoking, meaningful art. A must-have for collectors of original African art, printmaking enthusiasts, and galleries seeking authentic contemporary Nigerian artwork with both technical excellence and emotional resonance.
£800.00Sold by Tosin Oyeniyi Arts • Oyo
Arts
Veil of Strength Impasto Painting
Veil of Strength is a striking original mixed media impasto painting by ArtDigger Gallery, measuring 37 inches by 26.5 inches. This powerful contemporary African artwork explores themes of vulnerability, resilience, and quiet inner strength through a beautifully rendered figure composition. The impasto technique creates rich, textured layers that give the painting extraordinary depth and tactile presence. Bold, expressive brushwork and warm, firelit tones draw the viewer into a deeply contemplative scene where exposure becomes a form of courage rather than weakness. This piece speaks to the delicate balance between what we reveal and what we protect, celebrating the quiet dignity of endurance. Created by a talented Nigerian artist, Veil of Strength is a meaningful addition to any art collection. It is ideal for collectors, galleries, and interior spaces that call for emotionally resonant and visually captivating original African art. A thought-provoking statement piece that sparks conversation and inspires reflection.
£800.00Sold by ArtDigger gallery • Lagos
Arts
Daughter of the Ancestors Canvas
Daughter of the Ancestors Canvas, an original African woman portrait painting. This artwork speaks in the language of the ancestors. The woman’s profile, calm and lifted, reflects dignity, wisdom, and quiet strength passed down through generations. Her headwrap and cloth are not merely adornment they are symbols of identity, culture, and belonging, carrying the stories of her people. The bold yellow background echoes the African sun, source of life, endurance, and renewal. In her stillness, we see pride; in her posture, we see resilience. She stands as a reminder that African womanhood is rooted in heritage, guided by spirit, and rich with history and purpose.
£200.00Sold by Jtn_arts9 • Ghana
Arts
Mother of Mankind Pencil Portrait
Mother of Mankind Pencil Portrait, an original African drawing by Kenny Daniel. Creating 'Mother of Mankind' was a profound journey of discovery for me, a meditative process of peeling back layers to reveal a truth that belongs to us all. By depicting an African woman with a fair complexion cradling the Earth, I wanted to capture the heartbeat of our shared beginning. Placing Africa at the forefront is a tribute to the soil from which every human story first emerged, not merely a geographic choice. My practice has always been about more than just the technical execution of light and shadow. With this piece, I sought to harmonize the spiritual with the scientific. I am deeply moved by the genetic and fossil records that prove our physical differences are but a beautiful, rhythmic adaptation to the environments we inhabit. They are not lines of division, but textures of survival and grace. •The Vision: To challenge the illusions of racism and prejudice through the lens of our common ancestry. •The Intent: To use the pencil as a tool for social healing, reclaiming the dignity of indigenous identities that have long been overshadowed. •The Connection: To invite the viewer to look beyond the skin and see the kinship that binds us. I view this drawing as my humble contribution to a timeless tradition of art that speaks when words are not enough. It is intended to be a visual and intellectual bridge, a space where we can pause and reflect on the miracle of our interconnectedness. My hope is that when you look into her eyes, you recognize yourself. You recognize the "Mother of Mankind" in us all, reminding us what it truly means to be human.
£1,800.00Sold by KennyDanielArt • Ondo State
Arts
Grace in Threes Abstract Acrylic
Grace in Threes is an original geometric abstract painting created in acrylic on canvas by acclaimed Nigerian contemporary artist Victor Ubabike. Measuring 96.52 x 106.68 cm, this large-scale work showcases Ubabike's signature geometric style, bold, structured forms rendered in vibrant, expressive colour. Born in Auchi, Edo State in 1982, Ubabike has exhibited widely across Nigeria through galleries including Signature Beyond Art Gallery (Lagos) and Orisun Art Gallery (Abuja), cementing his reputation as a leading voice in contemporary African art. This striking piece is ideal for collectors and art lovers seeking a statement artwork that blends African artistic heritage with modern abstract expression. A unique, investment-worthy original painting, hand-signed by the artist and ready to hang.
£3,080.00Sold by Victor ubabike • Lagos
Arts
Allure of the Shore Seascape Art
Allure of the Shore is a serene original acrylic seascape painting on canvas by ArtDigger Gallery, measuring 22 inches by 39 inches. This beautiful coastal artwork captures the magnetic beauty of an African shoreline through soft gradients of sand and sky, rhythmic ocean waves, and delicate details that evoke feelings of peace, nostalgia, and contemplation. This contemporary African painting goes beyond depicting a physical landscape, it invites the viewer into an emotional experience. The shore becomes a metaphor for memory, healing, and reflection. Warm, natural tones and gentle brushwork create a calming atmosphere that brings tranquility to any space. Whether you see it as a place of escape or a mirror of your own journey, this artwork resonates on a deeply personal level. Allure of the Shore is perfect for collectors, coastal art enthusiasts, and anyone looking to bring the soothing energy of the African coast into their home, office, or gallery. Each piece from ArtDigger Gallery is a unique, one-of-a-kind creation by a talented Nigerian artist.
£350.00Sold by ArtDigger gallery • Lagos
Home Decor
Time and Seasons | Original Acrylic Painting, 13x20in
An original acrylic painting on canvas, 13 by 20 inches, showing three figures carrying the harvest home on their heads under a wide blue sky. It suits a hallway, a landing or a study, anywhere a wall needs warmth without noise. The paint is laid on with a knife. The ground is built up in thick ochre and rust strokes that stand off the canvas, while the sky is scraped thin enough for the weave to show through, and the second photograph is a close crop of the bare tree at the left where both are easy to see. The three figures are painted from behind with their faces turned away, which is what makes the picture read as a memory of a walk home rather than a portrait of anyone in particular. The bowls of red, green and yellow produce carry the only clean colour in the piece and they sit right at the top, so the eye climbs. Original acrylic on canvas, 13 by 20 inches, roughly 33 by 51cm. The artist signs his work LEXIS and the signature is painted into the lower right corner in dark red. There is one of this painting and no second copy. Hang it out of direct sunlight and dust it with a dry soft brush.
£240.00£260.00Sold by Lexis paintings • Ghana
Arts
OMU | Large Original African Woman Painting, 4 x 6 ft Framed
My face has seen the smiles. My back has seen the truth. This back has carried more than my face ever has. That is where OMU came from. She stands turned away from you and the wall behind her breaks open into colour. She is for anyone who has been talked about, underestimated, rejected or hurt behind their back, and who is still standing. At 4 by 6 feet she is not a piece you hang and forget. She holds a wall on her own. About this piece Medium: original acrylic on canvas Frame: black floating frame, included Size: 4 ft x 6 ft framed, approximately 122 cm x 183 cm Edition: original, one of one. This is not a print Care: dust gently with a dry cloth and keep out of direct sunlight Commissions The artist takes commissions. Message the seller if you would like a piece in this spirit made for your own space.
£225.00£280.00Sold by Anniexcraft • Imo
Arts
Hold On Linocut Acrylic Canvas
Hold On is an original reduction linocut and acrylic painting on canvas by Nigerian artist Tosin Oyeniyi. This unique artwork combines the striking graphic quality of reduction linocut printmaking with the rich depth of acrylic painting, creating a visually compelling mixed media piece that stands out in any collection. The title Hold On speaks to themes of perseverance, endurance, and the quiet strength required to navigate life's challenges. Through bold compositions and layered textures, the artist captures the tension and beauty of holding steadfast in the face of adversity. The reduction linocut technique involves progressively carving away a single block of linoleum, making each print irreversible and truly one of a kind. Combined with hand-painted acrylic elements on canvas, this piece achieves a remarkable interplay of print precision and painterly expression. Perfect for collectors of original African art, printmaking enthusiasts, and anyone seeking authentic contemporary artwork with emotional depth and technical mastery. A powerful statement piece for homes, offices, and galleries.
£1,100.00Sold by Tosin Oyeniyi Arts • Oyo
Arts
Breakfast | Original Acrylic Still Life, 32.5 x 42cm
An original acrylic still life of three golden empanadas on a dark plate, with a bowl of red sauce beside them, painted in thick expressive strokes on ceiling board. It is a kitchen and dining room painting. Food still life earns its place where people eat, and this one is warm rather than formal, all browns, golds and a deep teal ground that makes the pastry glow. The paint is worked thickly enough to see. The crimped edges of the pastry are built up in ridges you can read across the surface, and the filling is scraped in with broken colour rather than blended, which is what gives it the coarse, appetising texture. The board is a ceiling board panel, a support Nigerian painters use often, and the maker gives the frame depth as 3cm. It is signed and dated 26 in the lower left corner. This is an original, not a print, and there is one of it. The maker gives the artwork size as 32.5 by 42cm. Hang it out of direct sunlight, which fades pigment over time, and dust the surface with a dry soft brush rather than a cloth, which can catch on raised paint.
£250.00Sold by The Mystic Artist • Nigeria
Arts
Beaded Ceramic Floral Wall Art
An original, one-of-a-kind contemporary artwork by Nairobi-based Kenyan artist Njuki. This 70 × 70 cm mixed-media canvas explores renewal and the beauty of blooming after challenging times. Beads, ceramic shards, acrylic paint and air-drying clay are carefully assembled into a sculptural vase filled with flowers in full bloom. Rich in texture and meaning, this handmade floral wall art brings a distinctive statement to contemporary interiors and art collections.
£700.00Sold by Njuki Studio • East Africa
Arts
Stellar Stasis Surreal Ink Art
Stellar Stasis is an original ink drawing on cardboard paper by Art of Chine Kosi, measuring 19.7 by 11 inches and sold unframed. Created in 2023, this dreamlike artwork captures a recurring vision from the artist's imagination, translating inner visions into striking visual form on paper. Through meticulous ink technique and surreal composition, the artist brings the intangible world of dreams and imagination to life. The piece is born from the desire to reconnect with the boundless creativity of childhood, where imagination flows freely and without constraint. The detailed linework on cardboard paper gives this piece a unique, raw aesthetic quality that distinguishes it from conventional ink drawings. Every stroke is intentional, building a composition that invites the viewer to explore hidden depths and discover their own interpretation. Perfect for collectors of original African art, surrealist drawing enthusiasts, and anyone seeking hand-drawn artwork that bridges the gap between imagination and reality. A truly unique, one-of-a-kind creation.
£150.00£180.00Sold by Art of chine kosi • Enugu state, Nigeria.
Arts
Nepho Leisure African Ink Drawing
Nepho Leisure is an original ink drawing on paper by Art of Chine Kosi, measuring 11.7 by 19.8 inches and sold unframed. Created in 2023, this uplifting artwork depicts a figure soaring through clouds in a state of pure euphoria and freedom. The word nepho relates to clouds, and combined with leisure, the title evokes a sense of weightless relaxation and transcendence. Through expressive ink technique and dynamic composition, the artist captures the exhilarating feeling of breaking free from earthly constraints and floating among the clouds. The detailed linework creates movement and energy that makes the figure feel alive and in motion across the paper. This original African artwork is perfect for collectors who appreciate figurative art with themes of freedom, joy, and human aspiration. Ideal for living rooms, offices, and creative spaces that benefit from uplifting, energetic artwork. A one-of-a-kind hand-drawn piece by a talented Nigerian artist.
£150.00£200.00Sold by Art of chine kosi • Enugu state, Nigeria.
Arts
Stuck in Freedom Acrylic Painting
Stuck in Freedom is an original 2 x 3 ft painting on mental health and inner conflict. STUCK IN FREEDOM This work came from moments where everything looked right on the outside, but nothing felt settled on the inside. The person in this work is free. Free to choose. Free to leave. Free to begin again. Yet he doesn’t move. Freedom can create confusion. When there are no clear limits, the mind starts questioning every step. You wonder whether the problem is the situation, or yourself. You replay decisions. You delay action. You stay in one place longer than you planned. The open cages represent opportunities that exist but feel heavy. Each open door carries responsibility, comparison, and fear of making the wrong choice. Freedom becomes something to manage rather than something to enjoy. He covers his face because he is overwhelmed. Not because he is weak, but because he is processing more than he can explain. Mental health struggles don’t always come from pain alone, sometimes they come from pressure to be grateful when you are not at peace. The body reflects life and potential. Healing is possible, but not immediate. Identity, culture, and personal history still sit on the body, shaping how freedom is experienced. You don’t step into freedom as a blank slate. The movement in the sky shows a restless mind. Thoughts travel, but they return to the same place. This is the experience of anxiety and emotional exhaustion, movement without direction. Despite everything, the work holds space for hope and faith. Not loud hope. Not instant answers. But the belief that awareness is the first step toward release. That recognizing the struggle is not failure, it is the beginning of freedom. STUCK IN FREEDOM speaks to people learning that freedom of circumstance does not guarantee freedom of mind, and that healing often starts with honesty. This work is not asking to be rescued. It’s asking to be seen.
£100.00Sold by CreativeThony • Lagos state
Arts
Formation Durbar Oil Painting
Formation is a striking original oil and mixed media painting on canvas by Yusuf Olayinka, measuring 100cm by 100cm. This captivating artwork is inspired by the vibrant Durbar festival celebrated in the northern parts of Nigeria, one of the most spectacular cultural events in West Africa. The composition features three faces adorned in full Hausa regalia, rendered with rich colour and textured detail using a unique combination of oil paint and pasted leaves on canvas. This innovative mixed media technique adds extraordinary depth and tactile quality to the piece, creating a visually immersive experience. The Durbar festival is a centuries-old celebration of horsemanship, music, and cultural pride. Through this artwork, the artist captures the regal dignity, communal spirit, and vibrant energy of this iconic Nigerian tradition. Formation is an exceptional piece for collectors of African cultural art, galleries, and anyone seeking authentic contemporary Nigerian artwork that celebrates heritage and tradition. A bold, large-scale statement piece that commands attention in any space.
£1,000.00Sold by Yusuf Olayinka • Nasarawa
Arts
Spread Your Wings Oil Painting
Spread Your Wings is a magnificent original oil painting on canvas by Nigerian artist Oludare Samson, measuring an impressive 90cm by 120cm. Created in 2025, this large-scale contemporary African artwork is a powerful visual statement about freedom, aspiration, and the courage to pursue one's dreams. The painting draws the viewer in with its expressive brushwork and rich, layered oil colours that create depth and movement across the canvas. The theme of spreading one's wings resonates universally, it speaks to liberation, personal growth, and the beauty of reaching beyond limitations. This is a piece that inspires and uplifts. At nearly four feet tall, this original artwork commands attention and transforms any space it occupies. Perfect for living rooms, offices, galleries, and corporate spaces that call for bold, meaningful art with an African perspective. An exceptional investment for collectors of contemporary African art and anyone seeking a large-scale statement piece that carries emotional weight and visual impact.
£1,500.00Sold by @Oludaresamson_art • Lagos state
Arts
Star-Struck Oil Painting
Star-Struck is an original oil painting on canvas by Nigerian artist Muktar Yusuf, measuring 80cm by 89cm and created in 2025. This inspirational contemporary African artwork carries a powerful message of hope, that even in life's darkest and most challenging moments, a single star shines magnificently bright to guide us through. The rich oil medium brings depth, luminosity, and emotional weight to the composition. The interplay of light and shadow creates a dramatic atmosphere that perfectly conveys the tension between darkness and the radiant hope that pierces through it. Every brushstroke is intentional, building a visual narrative of resilience and faith. This original painting is ideal for collectors of inspirational African art, galleries, and anyone seeking meaningful artwork that uplifts and encourages. A striking statement piece for living rooms, offices, churches, and spaces that benefit from art with a powerful, positive message. One-of-a-kind, signed, and ready to transform any space.
£350.00£400.00Sold by Muktar Yusuf Art • Lagos
Arts
Chains Within Impasto Portrait
Chains Within is an original African Beauty impasto portrait painting on canvas. This painting titled "The Chains Within" is among other paintings under the theme "African Beauty" The heavy multicolored impasto paint layered onto the central child's face represents a complex inner world of thoughts and ancestral memories. African beauty is redefined as psychological armor that's transforming internal struggles into a vibrant, display of grace and strength. The two abstract background children; one in warm magenta and the other in cool blue that represent shadows of the self or ancestors. They illustrate that these internal "chains" are actually unbreakable, invisible bonds of shared history, lineage and a collective community identity. The thick dense texture of the paint mirrors the physical weight of carrying one's heritage, while the sharp contrast between the bright yellow clothing and the deep, moody background highlights the capacity to radiate intense outward joy while holding immense silent depth within.
£176.47Sold by Lubanga lee • BANDA
Arts
Crown of Pearls Beaded Artwork
Crown of Pearls Beaded Artwork, an original 50 x 60 cm African canvas piece. This piece represents self-empowerment and self-love, where the individual crowns themselves with the pearls of their own worth and value (50 x 60cm) Framing and shipping incurs extra cost
£155.00Sold by FAJ Abstraction • Abuja
Arts
Guardians of Kilimanjaro Painting
Guardians of Kilimanjaro is a large original acrylic painting on canvas, 137 x 150cm, of two Maasai elders in red shukas looking out over tall grass towards Mount Kilimanjaro. The elders are seen from behind, one wrapped in a checked shuka and the other in a sleeveless red cloth with a pale belt, each resting on a staff. The mountain sits pale and snow capped above them, and the grass in the foreground is painted blade by blade, close enough that it frames the two men rather than sitting behind them. It belongs to the artist's Heritage Series, about the people who keep a culture's identity, land and knowledge. This is a one of a kind original, not a print. It is painted by Kamanzi in a studio in Arusha, Tanzania, signed Kamanzi Artlife in the lower right corner, and comes with the artist's certificate of authenticity. At 137cm wide and 150cm high (about 54 x 59 inches) it is a statement piece for a large wall: a living room, an office reception, or a hallway with room to step back from it. The canvas is shipped rolled in a tube and unstretched, so plan to have it stretched or framed when it arrives. The artist is also open to commissions.
£3,800.00Sold by Kamanzi Artlife • Tanzania
Arts
Poise Geometric Acrylic Painting
Poise is an original acrylic on canvas painting by Victor Ubabike, a Nigerian contemporary artist widely recognised for his practice of Geometric Figurative Expressionism. Completed in 2023, this large-scale figurative work measures 91.44 × 106.68 cm (approximately 36 × 42 inches) and is sold unframed. The painting is less about posture and more about restraint: the mastery of tension held in stillness. Ubabike's signature approach of reducing the human form to bold geometric planes and muted, considered colour creates a composition that radiates quiet gravity. There is a controlled power in the figure's stance: nothing is excessive, everything is deliberate. "Poise" becomes a meditation on inner equilibrium and the strength found in stillness. This is a compelling work for collectors of African contemporary art, figurative painting, and expressive fine art. It represents over two decades of Ubabike's practice, from Impressionism through abstraction to his current Geometric Figurative Expressionist voice, shaped by a rigorous formal training at Auchi Polytechnic and years of international exhibition. - Original, one-of-a-kind artwork - Medium: Acrylic on canvas - Dimensions: 91.44 × 106.68 cm (36 × 42 in) - Year: 2023 - Sold unframed - Artist: Victor Ubabike (b. 1982, Auchi, Edo State, Nigeria)
£2,265.00Sold by Victor ubabike • Lagos
Arts
Cinderella II Oil Painting
Cinderella II is the second instalment in a captivating three-painting series by Nigerian artist Muktar Yusuf, measuring 70cm by 80cm in oil on canvas, created in 2024. The Cinderella Series tells the inspiring story of a girl child's journey from innocence to empowerment, from a que sera sera moment of wondering what life holds, to growing into an elegant, beautiful woman who has conquered all obstacles and stands firm with hope. This second piece captures the transformative middle chapter, the growth, the challenges faced, and the emerging strength that shapes the journey. The rich oil palette and masterful portraiture bring emotional depth and warmth to the canvas, celebrating the resilience and beauty of African womanhood at every stage. As part of a collectible three-painting series, Cinderella II can stand beautifully on its own or be displayed alongside Cinderella I and III for a stunning narrative triptych. Perfect for collectors of African women's empowerment art, galleries, and spaces that celebrate feminine strength, beauty, and the power of transformation.
£300.00£350.00Sold by Muktar Yusuf Art • Lagos
Arts
Figures of Unity Acrylic Painting
An original acrylic painting on canvas of five figures, signed Lexis. Five tall, faceless figures stand shoulder to shoulder, each balancing a bowl on the head, painted in turquoise, gold, crimson and deep indigo. They are built from loose vertical strokes that run down into the background, so the group reads as one moving line rather than five separate people, and the close detail photograph shows the paint laid on thickly in places with the brush marks left in. At 10 by 14 inches it is a small painting, sized for a narrow wall, a shelf or a group of smaller works. If you like the palette, the artist's other small figure paintings in the shop are painted in the same colours and hang well together. Painted by hand in Accra, Ghana. Keep it out of direct sunlight and away from damp.
£150.00£160.00Sold by Lexis paintings • Ghana
Arts
Fresh African Songs | Original Acrylic Painting, 18x26in
An original acrylic painting on canvas, 18 by 26 inches, of a musician playing the goje, the one string fiddle of northern Ghana, in magenta, green and gold. The player sits behind his instrument with his eyes closed and his mouth open in song, the gourd bowl of the fiddle swinging round in the foreground and the bow laid across it. The artist writes the instrument's name as goji. Everything is broken into loose vertical strokes of colour, so the man, the fiddle and the room seem to dissolve into the sound, and a row of pink flower forms along the bottom edge carries the freshness of the title. At 18 by 26 inches it is a good size for a living room or a study wall where one painting has to carry the room. If you want music in quieter colour, the artist's flute player painting, The Masterpiece, is the calmer piece; this one is for a wall that can take full saturation. Painted by hand in acrylic on canvas and signed Lexis in the lower right. The artist says it is shipped rolled in a tube. Keep it out of direct sunlight and dust with a soft dry brush.
£490.00£500.00Sold by Lexis paintings • Ghana
Arts
Serenity Within | Acrylic Swan and Lake Painting, 60x80cm
Serenity Within is a hand painted acrylic canvas, 60 by 80cm, of two white swans on still water below a snow capped mountain at sunrise. The sun breaks at the foot of the mountain and lays a band of gold straight down the middle of the lake, and the two swans meet inside it. Autumn trees frame both banks and a bed of small pink and orange flowers runs along the front edge. The water is worked in long horizontal strokes so the reflection breaks up the way real water does. The canvas is signed K Art Witney in the lower left corner and has a hanger fitted to the top of the stretcher. This is the calm one of the three. It is the painting for a bedroom, a landing or a hallway you pass slowly, where the parrot canvas from the same artist would be too loud. Supplied unframed as a stretched canvas, painted in Tanzania. Wipe the surface with a dry soft cloth and keep it out of direct sunlight.
£300.00Sold by pamoja creative circle • Tanzania
Arts
Before We Learned to Worry, Portrait
Before we learned to worry, happiness was not a performance. There was a time when joy did not have to be earned, and an open heart was never too much. We ran because our legs could carry us, not because we were running from something. We laughed and we loved without bracing for disappointment. This portrait sits with that loss. It looks at the crossing from a carefree childhood into the complicated business of being an adult, and it quietly mourns the version of ourselves that existed before fear and anxiety became daily company. The face is built from hand painted blocks of colour, a pixel mosaic that only resolves into a girl once you step back, the way memory does. About this piece Medium: acrylic paint on hand cut oval canvas Subject: portrait of a young African girl, contemporary African art Size: 20.32 cm W x 30.48 cm H x 2.54 cm D (8 x 12 x 1 inches) Series: one of six original works from the Kilomode Mo miniature series Edition: original, one of one. This is not a print or a reproduction Care: dust gently with a dry cloth and keep out of direct sunlight
£150.00Sold by Rewa Aesthetics • Oyo state
Arts
African Woman Portrait Wall Art
A portrait of a Black woman rendered in gold and warm brown against a background of pink, orange and violet. She meets the viewer's eye directly, shoulders bare, chin level, with none of the softening that portraits of women so often carry. The mood is calm authority rather than decoration. The palette is the point. Gold and copper across the skin, hot pink and tangerine behind, violet cooling the edges. It is a warm piece, so it lifts a room with cool grey or white walls and holds its own against exposed brick, dark green or navy. Size 60 x 40cm, portrait orientation. Supplied on canvas in a wood frame with a varnished finish, ready to hang straight out of the box. It works as a single statement above a sofa, a bed or a console table, or as the anchor of a gallery wall with smaller abstract or typographic pieces around it. Because it is portrait rather than landscape, it suits a narrow wall, a chimney breast or an alcove where a wide piece would not fit. By Wisdom Mullar. Colour may read a little differently in person than on screen, and the light in your room will change how the gold and pink sit together. Care: hang out of direct sunlight, which fades pigment over time. Dust with a dry soft cloth. Do not use water, solvents or spray cleaners on the surface.
£120.00Sold by Artmasterfineart • Ghana
Arts
Lost Identity Charcoal Portrait
Lost Identity Charcoal Portrait, an original African heritage drawing by Kenny Daniel. 'Lost Identity' is more than a portrait; it is a visual awakening. It represents my first step in a journey to confront the quiet, aching void where heritage once lived. For too long, there has been a heavy silence surrounding the stolen roots of the African soul. Through the patient application of graphite, charcoal and coloredpencils, I have sought to give that silence a voice. In this piece, I chose to depict an African woman crowned not by the luster of gold, but by the raw, cracked textures of the earth. Her crown is not a decoration but a burden. It carries the weight of lost kingdoms and the fractured histories of generations who were taught to look away from their own greatness. •The Vessel of History: She sits upon a weathered wooden chair, its surface scarred and etched by time. To me, those marks mirror the toughness backs of those who bore the weight of chains, yet never lost their inherent divinity. •The Whisper of the Past: At her hands lie rusted shackles, quiet, haunting reminders of captivity. Yet, in the way she holds herself, there is no defeat. Her posture is a testament to an unbreakable nobility. •The Shroud of Truth: Her white garment represents a purity of spirit and a truth that remains uncorrupted, waiting patiently beneath the layers of history to be rediscovered. By blending the accuracy of realism with the depth of metaphor, I have tried to balance beauty with pain, and history with an immovable dignity. I offer 'Lost Identity' as a mirror to the viewer. It is a quiet invitation to pause and reflect on a singular, vital question: Do we remember who we were before the world told us who to be?
£1,700.00Sold by KennyDanielArt • Ondo State
Arts
Happy Mothers | Original Acrylic Dance Painting, 22x30in
Happy Mothers is an original acrylic painting on canvas, 22 by 30 inches, showing a group of women dancing and drumming across a deep pink ground. The women wear tall cylindrical hats and sleeveless dresses in red, cream and teal, and several of them carry hand drums. Their legs taper to fine points, so the whole line of figures looks as though it is lifting off the floor at the same moment. The background is worked in the same reds and blues as the dresses, which keeps the eye moving along the row rather than settling on any one dancer. This is the canvas itself, not a print or a reproduction. It is signed Lexis and dated 2018 in the lower right corner and there is only one of it. The second photograph is a close view of three of the dancers, where the weave of the canvas and the brush texture are clearly visible. At 22 by 30 inches, roughly 56 by 76cm, it is large enough to carry a wall on its own and it suits a living room, a dining room or a hallway that needs warmth. Painted in acrylic on canvas. Keep it out of direct sunlight, dust it gently with a dry soft cloth, and never use cleaning fluid on the paint.
£520.00£550.00Sold by Lexis paintings • Ghana
Arts
The Lost Art | African Girl with Braids Portrait Painting
The lost art. "In my niece's world, life is less about perfection and more about presence." One day my niece stood in front of one of my paintings. Unlike most adults, she never asked about the inspiration, the meaning or the technique. She was simply captivated by the colour. For her, that was enough. That is the art we lose on the way to becoming adults. The ability to look at something and let it be beautiful without first demanding that it explain itself. This portrait is painted for that kind of looking. Her face is built from hand painted blocks of pink and violet, a pixel mosaic that only settles into a girl once you step back. About this piece Medium: acrylic paint on hand cut oval canvas Subject: portrait of a young African girl with braided hair, contemporary African art Size: 20.32 cm W x 30.48 cm H x 2.54 cm D (8 x 12 x 1 inches) Series: one of six original works from the Kilomode Mo miniature series Edition: original, one of one. This is not a print or a reproduction Care: dust gently with a dry cloth and keep out of direct sunlight
£150.00Sold by Rewa Aesthetics • Oyo state
Arts
The Last Time It Felt Like Home, Painting
The last time it felt like home. Childhood was the last time life felt like home, a place safe enough to exist in without pretending. This piece is my quiet grief for growing older. I watched myself change, leaving fragments of my childhood behind with each passing day while carrying the ache of everything I was becoming. It caught me in the middle of a lifelong search for the emotional home we unknowingly left behind. A place where we once felt whole, safe, and free enough to simply exist. Her face is built from hand painted blocks of coral and blue, a pixel mosaic that only settles into a girl once you step back. About this piece Medium: acrylic paint on hand cut oval canvas Subject: portrait of a young African girl, contemporary African art Size: 20.32 cm W x 30.48 cm H x 2.54 cm D (8 x 12 x 1 inches) Series: one of six original works from the Kilomode Mo miniature series Edition: original, one of one. This is not a print or a reproduction Care: dust gently with a dry cloth and keep out of direct sunlight
£150.00Sold by Rewa Aesthetics • Oyo state
Arts
Interwoven, Abstract Painting
Interwoven belongs to Victor Ubabike's ongoing scarf series. Across that series one elongated scarf keeps returning, and it carries the meaning of the work. It stands for identity, and it takes a different shape on every canvas it appears on. Here it doubles back through itself, which is where the painting gets its name. The surface is built up in layers of acrylic, in the flat planes and hard edges of the style he calls Geometric Figurative Expressionism. Colour does structural work rather than decorative work. The blocks sit against each other instead of blending, and the painting holds together the way a mosaic does. At 96 by 107 cm it takes a wall on its own. About this piece Artist: Victor Ubabike, Nigerian, born 1982 in Auchi, Edo State Style: Geometric Figurative Expressionism Series: the scarf series Medium: original acrylic on canvas Size: 96.52 cm x 106.68 cm, approximately 38 x 42 inches Edition: original, one of one. This is not a print Care: dust gently with a dry cloth and keep out of direct sunlight
£3,750.00Sold by Victor ubabike • Lagos
Arts
Girl in Blue African Oil Painting
Girl in Blue portrays a young African girl in a quiet moment of reflection. Through its calming blue tones and textured surface, the painting highlights the innocence and natural beauty of African childhood. It celebrates beauty found in simplicity, identity and the gentle strength within every child.
£119.32Sold by Lubanga lee • BANDA
Buying guide
Buying African paintings online
Most paintings on Sokofa are originals rather than editions, which means there is exactly one of each and it is gone when it sells. Listings state the medium, usually acrylic or oil on canvas, and the dimensions. Read those dimensions against your wall before falling for a photograph: a piece that looks intimate on a phone screen is often a metre across.
Prices reflect what the work is. An original painting by a named artist costs more than a signed limited-edition print, and a print costs more than an open unsigned reproduction. Each is a legitimate way to buy art, but they are not the same thing, and the listing tells you which one you are looking at.
Larger canvases sometimes ship rolled in a tube rather than stretched, which keeps them safe in transit and makes framing a local job at the other end. Every artwork is reviewed before it is listed, and if a piece arrives damaged, wrong or not as described, report it within 48 hours of delivery.
Read the full guide
Common questions
About buying paintings on Sokofa
Where can I buy original African paintings online?
Sokofa (sokofa.com) sells original paintings directly from African artists, mostly in Nigeria, Ghana and Kenya. Each listing names the artist, states the medium and dimensions, and orders ship worldwide with the delivery cost shown at checkout before you pay.
What is the difference between an original and a print?
An original is the one painting the artist made, so only one exists. A limited-edition print is one of a numbered, usually signed run reproduced from the original. An open print has no fixed run. The product page states which you are buying.
How are paintings packed and shipped?
Smaller works ship stretched and boxed. Larger canvases are often rolled in a tube, which protects them in transit and lets you stretch or frame the piece locally. Delivery cost for your address is confirmed at checkout.
How do I know the artist is genuine?
Every artwork is reviewed before it is listed, and each product page names the artist and their country. What you buy is made by the person named on the listing, not a reseller of factory reproductions.