Julie Mehretu’s Masterpiece, Walkers With the Dawn and Morning sets a new record at auction. Image: Artist/Sotheby’s

Walkers With the Dawn and Morning, Julie Mehretu’s masterpiece record sale highlights the growing interest in contemporary African art.

BY KAZEEM ADELEKE, ARTCENTRON

NEW YORK, NY-In a remarkable triumph, Ethiopian-born artist Julie Mehretu has once again etched her name into the annals of art history. Her work, Walkers With the Dawn and Morning just set a new record for the highest sale price ever achieved by an African-born artist at Sotheby’s in New York. The captivating abstract painting made an impressive $10.7 million.

Julie Mehretu’s journey is as captivating as her artwork. Born in Ethiopia, she and her family relocated to the United States in 1977 amidst political turmoil. Today, at the age of 52, Mehretu stands as a prominent figure in the burgeoning contemporary African art scene.

Mehretu’s record-breaking piece, Walkers With the Dawn and Morning, is a mesmerizing blend of ink and acrylic on canvas. Its title draws inspiration from a Langston Hughes poem from the 1920s. Created in response to the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the painting reflects Mehretu’s profound connection to the impact of the natural world on humanity.

How Julie Mehretu’s Masterpiece Set New Auction Record

The Sotheby’s auction was nothing short of a spectacle. Two fervent bidders vied for Mehretu’s masterpiece, each competing to claim this exceptional piece of contemporary art. The bidding war reached its climax at $9.5 million, but with fees factored in, the final price catapulted to an astounding $10.7 million—a new pinnacle in Mehretu’s illustrious career.

Walkers With the Dawn and Morning encapsulates Mehretu’s distinctive artistic style. The painting harmoniously weaves together architectural drawings, vibrant vectors, and sweeping calligraphy. Sotheby’s aptly describes it as a fusion of “all aspects of her inimitable style of mark-making.”

The sale of Mehretu’s work is not merely a personal triumph but indicative of a broader trend—the escalating interest in contemporary African art. According to Hannah O’Leary, head of Sotheby’s modern and contemporary African art department, the market is witnessing a surge in demand for abstract works, signaling a shift from initial enthusiasm to a more discerning appreciation.

Beyond Canvas: Mehretu’s BMW Art Car

Mehretu’s success at the auction points to her amazing art career.  In July, Mehretu was chosen to craft BMW’s next Art Car. Her creation will adorn a BMW car, participating in the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans race next year. This record auction price is another accolade for her outstanding growth.