Benedict Enwonwu: Contemporary African Art

Benedict Chukwukadibia Enwonwu M.B.E (Nigerian, 1917-1994), *FESTAC ’77*, signed and dated ‘Ben Enwonwu/ 1977 FESTAC’ (lower right); twice inscribed ‘1’ (verso), oil on canvas, 91.5 x 61cm (36 x 24in), Image Source: Bonhams

“The sinuous abstraction of a silhouette of the regal female represented his ideal of African culture; beautiful, powerful and full of creative potential. …While geometrically abstracted, the depiction of robes that the figure is adorned with communicates this work as highly significant within Enwonwu’s oeuvre. … In this extraction, Enwonwu displays his commitment to displaying the significance of Nigerian culture through aspects like costume and fusing this cultural awareness with modern practices.”

READ FULL ESSAY: : Bonhams