The global art market has long struggled with the circulation of counterfeit pieces, and African art is no exception. As the demand for African art grows, so does the prevalence of forgeries —mass-produced works that resemble authentic pieces but lack authenticity.
Many unsuspecting buyers invest in these works, believing they are supporting African artists and preserving their heritage, only to later discover the painful truth. Nina Williams, an African American woman in her 40s from Florida, fell victim to such a forgery.
A proud mother and passionate art enthusiast, she has always sought ways to connect with her roots and culture. Wanting to instill the same appreciation in her 14-year-old son Jean, she turned to African paintings as a way to bring art and cultural history into their home.
However, her hopes met with a rather devastating fate. Explore Nina’s story and how she overcame the pitfalls of buying art pieces online.
Nina’s Search for African Art to Honor Her Heritage
Nina wanted to educate her son Jason about art, and cultural heritage. So, she began searching for African paintings that embodied the spirit and legacy of her people while capturing human creativity and talent.
She spent weeks browsing online galleries and local exhibitions, trying to find rare African art that captured meaningful stories and fables while representing the finesse and talent of African artists.
After much consideration, she finally made her purchased a few stunning works that she believed carried the essence of African artistry. She proudly displayed them in her living room, eager to share their significance with her son and guests.
Nina Discovers the Painful Truth About Her Art Collection
Nina was ecstatic about her new purchases and wanted to create a special evening centered around her culture. She found the perfect opportunity on Jason’s 15th birthday.
She hosted a hosting a memorable party at her home, inviting a group of friends—many of whom were artists or collectors—along with her son’s friends, hoping to spark conversations about their art, African history, their roots, and shared traditions.
Her living room, adorned with her recently purchased paintings, set the tone for the night. She moved through the room sharing the significance of each piece and how they represented different aspects of African artistry.
But Nina’s excitement was short-lived!
Malcolm, a longtime art collector and one of her closest friends, stopped in front of one of the paintings, he frowned and asked her where she got the painting.
She eagerly shared the details of her purchase, expecting admiration. Instead, Malcolm hesitated before speaking.
“I hate to say this, but this isn’t an original. It’s a reproduction, mass-produced.” — said Malcom to Nina right in front of Jean.
Nina’s smile faded, she couldn’t believe what he was hearing —the artwork she had so carefully chosen, believing it carried the spirit of Africa, was nothing more than an imitation.
Ovico Gallery Emerges as the True Source of Rare and Authentic African Art
Malcolm could see the disappointment on Nina’s face. He knew how much this art meant to her and how excited she was to teach Jean about art and their heritage. Wanting to help, he introduced her to Ovico Gallery, a space dedicated to preserving and celebrating authentic African artistry.
Nina visited the gallery the following weekend. The moment she stepped inside, she felt elevated by the exquisite collection of African artworks. The paintings weren’t just visually striking but carried a depth she hadn’t encountered before.
What struck her even more was the exclusivity of the pieces:
- The collection was crafted by a full-time studio artist, Chike Onuorah who has exhibited his paintings in several countries including Nigeria, Senegal, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America.
- Each piece came with a Poem, that gave voice to the untold narratives, expressed the totality of that experience, and captured the joy of the creation.
- These paintings were rare with only 5 reprints for each artwork. Unlike mass-produced artworks, one can’t spot these paintings everywhere. The exclusivity gave Nina a sense of ownership, and pride.
Nina felt a sense of pride in knowing that the piece she picked wouldn’t be found on just any wall.
The experience had taught her a valuable lesson: authenticity isn’t just about ownership; it’s about connection, history, and the responsibility to preserve it.
Ovico Gallery’s Mission to Preserve Authentic African Art and Culture
Nina’s journey from disappointment to discovery is one that many art lovers can relate to. It highlights how authenticity is more than just a certification or signature—it is the bridge that connects art to its true inspiration.
Ovico Gallery provided her with more than just paintings; it offered her a gateway to genuine African storytelling, culture, and exclusivity.
As the only black woman-owned gallery in St. Augustine, Ovico curates rare, high-quality African paintings that go beyond aesthetics—they narrate history, evoke emotion, and honor tradition. Each piece is unique and never seen before, with some accompanied by poetry, ensuring a deeper connection to African heritage. For those seeking versatile, premium paintings that tell a story, Ovico is the true destination.
Do you identify as an art lover? Book an appointment and experience Africa’s soul through its most authentic masterpieces!
