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Benedict Chukwukadibia Enwonwu M.B.E (Nigerian, 1917-1994) Africa Dances, Shadows image 1
Benedict Chukwukadibia Enwonwu M.B.E (Nigerian, 1917-1994) Africa Dances, Shadows image 2
Benedict Chukwukadibia Enwonwu M.B.E (Nigerian, 1917-1994) Africa Dances, Shadows image 3
Lot 11

Benedict Chukwukadibia Enwonwu M.B.E
(Nigerian, 1917-1994)
Africa Dances, Shadows

17 March 2021, 17:00 GMT
London, New Bond Street

Sold for £87,750 inc. premium

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Benedict Chukwukadibia Enwonwu M.B.E (Nigerian, 1917-1994)

Africa Dances, Shadows
signed and dated 'Ben Enwonwu 1972' (lower right), inscribed verso 'Shadows' and numbered 'No.27'
oil on canvas
92 x 62cm (36 1/4 x 24 7/16in).

Footnotes

Provenance
Acquired from the artist circa 1983;
Thence by direct descent to the current owner.

Exhibited
Lagos, 23 May - 6 June 1974, cat. no.27.

In his Africa Dances series, Enwonwu focuses mostly on movement and rhythm. In the artist's words from an interview early in his career (1950):

"The accent here is, of course, on rhythm. It is not portrayed as the movement of the hands and legs. I do not see exactly like that when a girl is dancing but as a painting, it is permissible to accentuate rhythm."

This particular painting represents 'Obitun' (meaning new woman), which celebrates a girl's transition into womanhood. It is particular to Ondo State, in south-western Nigeria. This dance ceremony is supposed to be performed for every maiden in the town before she gets married.

Additional information

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