Untainted Arts is a digital online platform devoted to helping promote the African art experience. Our vision is to ‘untaint’ the African art culture, though it has seen much growth over the last decade, it is still widely regarded as subpar to its western counterparts. Our mission is to bring the African diaspora and the Black community at large closer to their culture by connecting them to the works of both young and old African artists. Our team works around the clock, committed to enhancing the Untainted Arts network and promoting African artwork to a global audience. In showcasing African artists, we hope to enable art lovers and collectors alike to explore the many new artistic horizons found in Africa, to embrace new cultures, and to be inspired by the works of talented artists they never would have come across if it wasn’t for Untainted Arts. We hope to provide anyone outside of Africa with the opportunity to learn more about our culture through our art pieces which have as much history as the nations they stem from.
Founder's Biography
Evander Oluwatomiwa Smith is a Business Psychology and Human Resources student at International Business School Hungary Budapest. He is an active member of the Africa’s Mental Health Matters organization, and the Mentally Awareness Nigeria Initiative. He has always had a passion for art and expression and has visited multiple art galleries from the Baton Rouge Gallery – center for contemporary art in Baton Rouge, Louisiana to The Nike Art Gallery in Lagos, Nigeria. From adolescence he has always been fascinated by the human mind and art which when put together is known to stimulate the mind. Putting art and psychology together can make for a fun career.
Our Story
My father and I toured the Jakande art market located in Lagos, Nigeria and we were stunned to discover the conditions that these local artists and art collectors were subjected to. They had hundreds of amazing pieces that went untouched for many years and without the right exposure and support they were unable to expand their businesses. Due to the economic state of a lot of African countries, the art sector has seen very little attention and financial support. I saw an opportunity to provide a platform to connect these amazing artists and art collectors with people from around the globe. With amazing pieces known for their beauty, storytelling, and investment opportunities. To be able to truly see the value of art you must look at its origin and its creator without bias or prejudice. Every piece of art must be appreciated for the sake of the art itself. We must allow ourselves to truly experience the emotional power of African art and abandon all preconceptions of it. This platform was made to do just that.
The Process
With pieces ranging from $200-$1500, we want to make sure these art pieces are accessible as well as prove that African art does in fact have value and it definitely appreciates over time. In addition, we emphasize the exclusiveness of these African paintings as they are indeed one of a kind pieces that can not be found anywhere else in the world. Our wide variety of African paintings and art styles provide choice which is reflected in the fact that we have a painting for every kind of living space, whether a gift for your friend or a great piece for an office space, the goal is to allow people cleanse their idea of African art being cheap and disposable and bring in a new perspective of poise and luxury under the guise of affordability. Untainted Arts envisions a future where everyone is moved by African art every day. To get there, we’re expanding the art market to support more artists and art around Africa. As the leading marketplace to discover, buy, and sell fine art, Untainted Arts believes that the process of buying African art should be as brilliant as art itself. That’s why we’re dedicated to making a joyful, welcoming experience that connects collectors with the artists and artworks we know they’ll love.