A daughter of the late Dora Akunyili, the then Nigeria’s Information Minister, has sold one of her numerous artworks at N1.2 billion ($3.4 million).
A report by Wall Street Journal says Njideka Akunyili Crosby’s highest selling artwork is a 2017 botanical named ‘Bush Babies.’
A New York-based art company dealer, Sotheby’s estimated that the ‘Bush Babies,’ would sell for up to $800,000 but ended up selling for $3.4 million, according to the report.
The ‘Bush Babies’ artwork was sold during an auction at the Christie’s in London, United Kingdom.
The artist, who once sold artworks for $3,000 apiece, has joined the leagues of top-flight artists in United States of America and United Kingdom.
It was also reported that least 20 public museums are on a waiting list for works which Njideka hasn’t painted yet.
Njideka Akunyili Crosby’s Laurel List
The 35-year-old Crosby from South East Region of Nigeria has been awarded the prestigious MacArthur Fellowship.
The MacArthur Fellowship, also referred to as the Genius Grant, awards $625,000 to artists, writers, teachers, scientists, entrepreneurs, and people from all works of life who have shown exceptional creativity.
The grant is doled out in instalments, made over a period of five years.
In addition, New York’s Whitney Museum of American Art and London’s Tate Modern have decorated Njideka with honours for her artworks.