30th Oct, 2024 12:00
Modern and Contemporary African and Middle Eastern Art
3
GEORGE LILANGA (TANZANIAN 1934-2005)
TUNAPASWA KUA MAKINI SANA KATIKA UJANA WETU
signed lilanga lower left
oil on board
61 x 61cm; 24 x 24in
unframed
Property of a Private Collector, London
George Lilanga belonged to the Makonde people and lived most of his life in Dar es Salaam. Featured in a number of landmark exhibitions devoted to African art, including the international touring African Remix (2004), and African Art Now: Masterpieces from the Jean Pigozzi Collection (Museum of Fine Art, Houston 2005), Lilanga became the foremost Tanzinian artist from his generation and was hailed as the leading African artist by the influential art collector Jean Pigozzi.
Initially, he worked in the Makonde artistic tradition of carving wooden sculptures. However after having been exposed to the work of other artists at the cultural centre Nyumba ya Sanaa (House of Art), he transformed his typical sculptural forms into two-dimensional art works such as paintings, etchings or panels. Developing his own style out of the Shetani (devils) figures of the modern Makonde sculptures, his paintings are characterised by their colourful irony, reflecting everyday life in Tanzania.
The artist is the grandfather to Hendrick Lilanga (see lots 1 and 2).
Sold for £300
TUNAPASWA KUA MAKINI SANA KATIKA UJANA WETU
signed lilanga lower left
oil on board
61 x 61cm; 24 x 24in
unframed
Property of a Private Collector, London
George Lilanga belonged to the Makonde people and lived most of his life in Dar es Salaam. Featured in a number of landmark exhibitions devoted to African art, including the international touring African Remix (2004), and African Art Now: Masterpieces from the Jean Pigozzi Collection (Museum of Fine Art, Houston 2005), Lilanga became the foremost Tanzinian artist from his generation and was hailed as the leading African artist by the influential art collector Jean Pigozzi.
Initially, he worked in the Makonde artistic tradition of carving wooden sculptures. However after having been exposed to the work of other artists at the cultural centre Nyumba ya Sanaa (House of Art), he transformed his typical sculptural forms into two-dimensional art works such as paintings, etchings or panels. Developing his own style out of the Shetani (devils) figures of the modern Makonde sculptures, his paintings are characterised by their colourful irony, reflecting everyday life in Tanzania.
The artist is the grandfather to Hendrick Lilanga (see lots 1 and 2).
Auction: Modern and Contemporary African and Middle Eastern Art, 30th Oct, 2024
The Modern & Contemporary African and Middle Eastern Art market has flourished over the last 15 years and continues to grow, establishing a strong foothold in the UK. Our expert department at Olympia Auctions has, uniquely among other auction houses, brought together the synergies of the Arab world, Maghreb and the rest of Africa, reflecting the mutuality and shared history of these regions.
Our previous sales have included works from the collection of the late Saudi collector, Dr Mohammed Said Farsi, and we are proud to hold the auction record for the highest value work on paper by the renowned Egyptian artist Tahia Halim (sold for £6,250).
Each spring and autumn, we hold bi-annual, tightly curated, live auctions, offering both young and established collectors the opportunity to acquire works in a wide range of price brackets.
Contact expert Janet Rady to consign in a future sale or for any queries: janet.rady@olympiaauctions.com | + 44 (0)20 7806 5541
Viewing Times:
27th Oct 2024 12:00 - 16:00
28th Oct 2024 10:00 - 20:00
29th Oct 2024 10:00 - 17:00
