Ethiopian-American Artist Julie Mehretu Sets New Auction Record with $10.7m Sale

Julie Mehretu, an acclaimed Ethiopian-born artist based in the US, has made headlines again by setting a new record for the highest auction sale price for a work by an African-born artist. Her abstract creation, “Walkers With the Dawn and Morning,” achieved an impressive $10.7 million (£8.6 million) at a Sotheby’s auction in New York.

The artwork, a fusion of ink and acrylic on canvas, derives its title from a Langston Hughes poem of the 1920s. Born in Ethiopia, the 52-year-old Mehretu relocated to the US in 1977 amidst political turmoil in her home country. She has since emerged as a leading figure in the burgeoning contemporary African art scene.

“Walkers With the Dawn and Morning,” painted as a response to Hurricane Katrina’s devastation of New Orleans in 2005, showcases Mehretu’s distinctive style, blending architectural drawings, vibrant vectors, and calligraphic strokes. The piece sparked intense bidding at the auction, initially selling for $9.5 million before fees raised the final sum to the record-breaking $10.7 million.

This sale surpasses Mehretu’s own previous record of $9.3 million, set just last month. The auction’s success reflects the rising interest and market value in contemporary African art, particularly abstract works. Hannah O’Leary, head of Sotheby’s modern and contemporary African art department, noted a shift in the art market, moving towards a more discerning phase in appreciating such artworks.

Further elevating her profile, Mehretu was selected earlier this year to design BMW’s next Art Car. Her design will be featured on a BMW car participating in the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans race next year, marking another significant milestone in her illustrious career.