Tiwani Contemporary, a London-based gallery known for championing artists of the African diaspora, is closing after 15 years. Founder Maria Varnava announced the closure on Instagram, citing the current economic climate and shifting London art market as unsustainable for the gallery's business model. The London space will close immediately, while the Lagos outpost will restructure. The gallery helped launch or elevate artists including Joy Labinjo, Emma Prempeh, Njideka Akunyili Crosby, Simone Leigh, and Theo Eshetu.
The closure highlights a broader trend of commercial galleries shuttering amid market pressures, though most recent closures have been in New York. Tiwani Contemporary's exit is particularly significant because it was one of the few prominent European galleries dedicated to African diasporic art, filling a critical gap in a British art scene that has historically under-represented artists with ties to the continent. Its loss raises concerns about diminishing visibility for these artists in the commercial gallery sector.