“They Called My ₦3m Art a Rip-Off”: Nigerian Artist Laments Poor Local Appreciation -

A Nigerian art creator has taken to social media to express her frustration over what she described as the poor treatment and lack of appreciation for creators in the country.

In a lengthy Facebook post, Chiamaka Mirabel Iwenofu popularly known as Glamour_artz voiced deep disappointment about how Nigerians undervalue creative work compared to foreign buyers who, according to her, pay far more and show genuine appreciation for artistic effort.

Sharing screenshots of her conversations with local prospective buyers, Chiamaka revealed that one of her pieces, priced at ₦3 million, was dismissed as overpriced — a reaction she found disheartening.

“I quoted ₦3 million for my work… and this was the reply,” she wrote. “Sometimes I wonder, do people really think art creates itself? The hours, the effort, the creativity, the materials — everything costs something.”

Iwenofu noted that while foreign collectors celebrate her work “with love and respect,” her Nigerian audience often labels her pricing as an attempt to “rip people off.”

READ ALSO: Breaking: Court Stops PDP Convention, Cites Breach Of Rules

Foreigners Value on Art Works

“It’s funny how people outside Nigeria celebrate my work with love. But at home, it is tagged as ripping people off. Why do we find it hard to support our own?” she asked.

In a reflective tone, she challenged her followers to rethink the mindset that undervalues creative talent, urging Nigerians to show more respect and encouragement — even when they cannot afford to buy.

“Let’s talk — what’s the real reason behind this mindset?” she continued. “Don’t tell me it’s lack of money, because even if you don’t have money to patronize, you can be kind with your words at least,” she adds.

Her post has since drawn widespread engagement online, sparking a conversation about the struggles of Nigerian artists, fair pricing, and the need to cultivate a stronger culture of supporting local creators.

Chiamaka iwenofu is a mixed media visual artist from Obosi, Idemili North, Anambra State, Nigeria.
Her journey began in 2012, driven by an insatiable passion for creative expression.