18th Mar, 2026 19:00
Modern & Contemporary Art
74
Kelechi Charles Nwaneri (Nigeria 1994-)
Lovers 1
oil, charcoal and acrylic on canvas
Artwork date: 2019
Signature details: signed and dated bottom right; inscribed with the artist's name, the date, title and dimensions and further printed with the artist's name, the title, medium and dimensions on an ODA Art Gallery label on the reverse
Exchange Rates*: USD 5 671 – 7 561
GBP 4 189 – 5 586
EURO 4 802 – 6 403
Condition Report
The overall condition is fair.
Visible tide lines on the reverse and bottom left corner.
Minor tension loss along the bottom of the canvas.
Minor paid loss in areas.
Please note, we are not qualified conservators and these reports give our opinion as to the general condition of the works. We advise that bidders view the lots in person to satisfy themselves with the condition of prospective purchases.
oil, charcoal and acrylic on canvas
Artwork date: 2019
Signature details: signed and dated bottom right; inscribed with the artist's name, the date, title and dimensions and further printed with the artist's name, the title, medium and dimensions on an ODA Art Gallery label on the reverse
Exchange Rates*: USD 5 671 – 7 561
GBP 4 189 – 5 586
EURO 4 802 – 6 403
(1)
121 x 121 cm; framed size: 123.5 x 123 x 4 cm
Provenance:
Private collection, Cape Town.
Patrizia Litty Art Consulting, Franschhoek.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Although formally trained in Agricultural Extension at the University of Nigeria (2015), Kelechi Charles Nwaneri always had a passion for drawing, cultivating his artistic practice alongside his academic studies. Largely self-taught, he developed his visual language through sustained studio experimentation, building a body of work that quickly distinguished him within Nigeria’s contemporary art scene. Early recognition followed: in 2018, he won the Visual Art Competition organised by the Embassy of Spain in Abuja, and in 2020 he was selected for a residency with AKKA Project, both milestones that helped position him within an expanding international network.
Now, after almost a decade of sustained practice, Nwaneri has presented multiple solo exhibitions across Africa and Europe and will hold an upcoming exhibition in 2026 at Kristin Hjellegjerde Gallery, London.
Based in Lagos, the self-taught mixed-media artist explores themes of mental health, psychology, and social values through surreal, symbolic imagery. His works draw from several West African symbolic traditions: Adinkra (Akan symbols originating in Ghana that convey philosophical concepts and proverbs), Uli (an Igbo mural and body art tradition characterised by linear, fluid forms) and Nsibidi (an ancient system of ideographic signs historically used for communication in parts of southeastern Nigeria and Cameroon).
These symbols are woven into fantastical hybrid figures that populate his compositions. In his pencil and charcoal works, recurring ‘Black Figures’ cloaked in symbolic markings evoke scars and tribal marks as metaphors for the subconscious. Through these layered visual languages, Nwaneri constructs vivid, dreamlike reflections on contemporary Nigerian life.
COLLECTIONS:
The artist is represented in numerous local and international collections, notably, the Arthur Lewis Collection, Orange County; Africa First Collection, Tel Aviv and the Embassy of Spain, Abuja.
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Auction: Modern & Contemporary Art, 18th Mar, 2026
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IMPORTANT NOTICE:
Logistics
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Small (≤60x90x10 cm): R550
Medium (≤90x120x15 cm): R1,100
Large (≤120x150x20 cm): R1,650
Over-size: Special quote
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For buyers from outside South Africa, we will keep the artworks you have purchased in storage during the year and then ship all the works you have acquired during the year together, so the shipping costs are reduced. At the end of the annual period, we will source various quotes to get you the best price, and ship all your artworks to your desired address at once.
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Handling Fee
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