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Akinola Lasekan (Nigerian, 1921-1972) Ijo-ibile image 1
Akinola Lasekan (Nigerian, 1921-1972) Ijo-ibile image 2
Lot 68

Akinola Lasekan
(Nigerian, 1921-1972)
Ijo-ibile

12 October 2021, 14:00 BST
London, New Bond Street

Sold for £11,475 inc. premium

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Akinola Lasekan (Nigerian, 1921-1972)

Ijo-ibile
signed and dated 'akinola lasekan 1970' (lower left)
oil on canvas
61 x 75cm (24 x 29 1/2in).

Footnotes

Painted in 1970, only two years before Lasekan's untimely death, this vibrant dance scene reveals an artist still at the height of his powers. The painting pulses with life; one can almost hear the rhythms of the drums.

Lasekan depicts an ijo ibile (which loosely translates as traditional dance), an important aspect of Yoruba culture. The women, wearing brightly coloured Aso-Oke fabrics, dance to the drums played by the group of men on the right. We can see the distinctive hourglass shape of the bata and gangan drums. They are commonly referred to as talking drums, as their tones imitate Yoruba syllables.

Ijo ibile are often performed on ritual or celebration days. We can see from the performers' facial expressions that this is a joyful occasion.

Lasekan was born in Owo, in Ondo State, and and was steeped in Yoruba traditions. His works reveal a deep respect for this culture and proudly assert his identity.

Additional information

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