작품 상세

§ Ben (Benedict Chukwukadibia) Enwonwu, M.B.E (Nigerian, 1917-1994), a carved wood head, with polished scalp, unsigned Enwonwu was a pioneer in the development of modern Nigerian art, and his legacy has enriched and projected Nigerian art onto the international scene. He studied first under his father, then with British archaeologist and art teacher, Kenneth C. Murray, in pre-Independence Lagos. Thanks to the recommendation of Murray, Enwonwu travelled to the UK, where he exhibited at the Zwemmer Gallery and the Glasgow Empire Exhibition. He was awarded a grant by the British Council to continue his study, first at Goldsmith's, and then the Slade School of Fine Art (1946-48). He returned to Nigeria as Arts Advisor to the government. h:34 cm Provenance: Ben Enwonwu had some business dealings with the vendor's father, who was a caster, and became a family friend and regular visitor to their home during the 1970s and 80s. This piece was acquired by the vendor's father from Ben directly in the mid 1970s. The vendor recalls "I do remember a conversation between my parents about the head - my mother didn't like it much but I remember my father saying what an important artist Ben was and how delighted he was to have another piece by him (sadly there were more, now lost)."