Major African Art Gallery, Tiwani Contemporary, is Closing its Doors
Thursday, May 28, 2026
Tiwani Contemporary, founded fifteen years ago, is closing its doors.
In a statement, the gallery writes: Fifteen years ago, I co-founded Tiwani Contemporary with a commitment to broadening international dialogue around art from Africa and the diaspora. Since then it has been an immense privilege to work with so many wonderful artists, and help to amplify their vital and extraordinary voices. Their impact will only continue to grow.
However, the directors of the gallery have taken the difficult decision to cease operations at Tiwani Contemporary. Sadly, the current economic climate and the shifting landscape of the London art market no longer support our business model. The decision to wind down our activity is extremely painful, but it is a responsible step to address the financial challenges the gallery faces in a difficult market.
I am profoundly grateful to the artists who have entrusted us with their work, the collectors, curators and collaborators who have supported our vision, and to our dedicated team who have contributed so much to the gallery's legacy.
We have instructed BTG Begbies Traynor (Central) LLP to ensure an orderly and professional transition for our staff and artists.
Our London gallery will close today. Our space in Lagos will also cease operations in its current format to allow for restructuring in the months ahead.
The gallery represented Alicia Henry, Dawit L. Petros, Umar Rashid (Frohawk Two Feathers) and Theo Eshetu, who is currently included in Koyo Kouoh‘s “In Minor Keys” exhibition at the 61st Venice Biennale and exhibited several artists on the verge of stardom, including Njideka Akunyili Crosby, Kapwani Kiwanga, Simone Leigh, and Michaela Yearwood-Dan.
Main Image: courtesy Tiwani Contemporary