Art collecting can sound intimidating, like something reserved for the wealthy or the well-connected. But in reality, it is not about having deep pockets or an art degree. It is about curiosity, taste, and a willingness to learn. Nigeria’s art scene has grown rapidly in the last decade, with more young people attending exhibitions, visiting fairs, and buying pieces to hang in their homes. The idea of owning art has shifted from luxury to lifestyle.For many Nigerians, collecting starts with emotion. You see a painting or sculpture and it stops you in your tracks. It could be the colours, the story, or even the mood it brings to your space. That spark of connection is the first step. Art collecting is not just about investment; it is about living with something that speaks to you.
Start Small, But Start Smart
You do not need millions to begin. Many emerging Nigerian artists sell beautiful works at affordable prices. Art fairs like Art X Lagos, Lagos Art Auction, and the Affordable Art Sale by SMO Contemporary Art often feature pieces starting in the low hundreds of thousands of naira. Instagram has also become a useful place to discover up-and-coming artists, as many now showcase and sell directly through their pages. The key is to buy what you love. If a piece moves you, that is a good enough reason to take it home. Trends will come and go, but the emotional connection you have to a piece is what gives it lasting value.
Know the Artist Behind the Work
Part of collecting art is understanding the story behind it. Before you buy, take time to learn about the artist. What inspires them? Where have they exhibited? Who collects their work? This context adds meaning to the piece and can help you appreciate it more deeply. Many galleries and artists are open to sharing these stories if you ask. Attend openings, talk to curators, and visit artist studios when possible. You will start to see patterns in what you like. Maybe you are drawn to abstract work, portraits, or pieces exploring identity and culture.
Set a Budget and Be Consistent
Like any hobby, collecting art can become addictive. It helps to set a clear budget for yourself, whether monthly or yearly. You can start with smaller works like sketches, prints, or photography before investing in larger pieces. Over time, your collection will grow naturally and reflect your evolving taste.
It also helps to think about where you want to display the art. A small drawing in a hallway, a bold painting in the living room, or a sculpture in your office can each change the atmosphere of a space. Placement and framing can make as much difference as the artwork itself.
Support Local Artists
Collecting art is also about supporting creativity. Nigeria is full of brilliant artists whose work deserves recognition. By buying directly from them or from reputable galleries, you contribute to sustaining the country’s creative economy. It is a meaningful exchange, you get beauty and inspiration, and they get encouragement to keep creating.
If you are unsure where to start, visit spaces like Rele Gallery, Terra Kulture, Omenka Gallery, or Bloom Art. You can also follow online platforms such as Art Twenty-One and Retro Africa. They often spotlight new artists and make collecting approachable.
Think of It as a Journey
Every collector starts somewhere, and most will tell you that the process never really ends. Your first purchase may be small, but over time it will mark the beginning of a story, one that is personal, visual, and cultural. You might start collecting out of interest, but before long, you realise you are also preserving a piece of Nigeria’s creative history.
The beauty of collecting art in Nigeria today is that there has never been a better time to begin. The talent is abundant, the community is open, and the possibilities are endless. So the next time you walk into a gallery or scroll through an artist’s feed and something catches your eye, trust your instinct. Art, after all, is not just something you own. It is something you live with.
