Geoffrey Mukasa's Celebrations sold for $20,559 at the first auction of east African art to take place in Kenya, held by Circle Art Agency in Nairobi on November 5.
The painting dates to between 2006 and 2007 and displays a scene of musicians and dancers. It realised a 29% increase on a high valuation of $15,910.
Mukasa (1954-2009) was a Ugandan artist who established a significant following throughout Africa.
 Mukasa's work has wide following in Africa |
He studied in India - where he was strongly influenced by local artists, including the renowned MF Husain - whose work headlined a number of high profile sales in the autumn of this year.
Sane Wadu's World Trade Centre (1988) made $17,818 - up 140% on an estimate of $6,025-7,400.
 Wadu left his job as a teacher to pursue a career as an artist |
The work comprises a number of smaller paintings that combine to make a whole.
Wadu, previously a teacher, took up painting in 1985. His artwork quickly gained him an international audience, netting him shows throughout Europe and the US.
The auction is the latest indication of a growing interest in east African art, which has been overshadowed by west and South African art in the past.
Earlier this year, Bonhams sold the work of eight east African artists in its Africa Now sale of contemporary art from the continent.
90% of the art at the auction sold, realising total sales of $217,000.
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