Kenya held its first commercial auction of East African art at the Kempinski Hotel, Nairobi on Tuesday 5th November. The auction was marked by a glamorous champagne reception hosted by G.H. MUMM, the official champagne of Formula 1 with a mix of the elite Nairobi society in attendance.

Arvind Vohora of Circle Art; Roger Stedman, Executive Director, IPSOS Synovate & Anil Sethi, director, BNP Paribas
The auction which is reflective of the sign of a growing profile of the region’s art scene on the international stage featured works of Kenyan artists will dominate the auction, but artists from Ethiopia, Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda.
Organised by The Circle Art Agency noted that some of the works for sale have not been seen in public for decades. Prices ranged from several hundred dollars for some pieces up to more than $28,000.

Ms. Will Janssen, Redional Director East Africa, Hivos People Unlimited, Sylvia Gichia, director, kuona Trust & Tony Wainaina, art enthusiast

Nicola Elphinstone, Co-Director, Ugandan Arts Trust & Giles Peppiatt, Director, Modern & Contemporary African Art