
Helene Love-Allotey
Head of Department
£5,000 - £8,000
Our African Modern & Contemporary Art specialists can help you find a similar item at an auction or via a private sale.
Find your local specialistHead of Department
Provenance
A private collection.
From a background of photographers, his father being the renowned photographer Joseph Moise Agbodjelou by whom his craft was first inspired, Leonce Raphael Agbodjelou has made his own mark in Benin's history. Having recently been appointed the president for the Photographer's Association of Porto-Novo, he is also recognised for founding Benin's first photographic school.
The present work captures a figure of Egungun Yoruba masquerade. A visible manifestation on ancestral spirits, Egungun masquerade culture provides a space for annual spiritual uniting interactions with the community and relatives are on a basis of celebration honouring those who have passed away. Reminiscent and yet progressive, Leonce's work incorporates tradition with his contemporary perceptions of modern life of the people of the thriving capital city of Porto-Novo.