The first black 'super-star' artist from Africa, must have been Twins Seven-Seven.
Originally a musician and dancer, in 1964 he enrolled on a 'painting workshop' and almost at once became one of Nigeria's foremost painters. International fame soon followed.
Twins often refused to see other painters' works, simply because he didn't want to be influenced by them.
I remember seeing some of his work in London in the late 1960's. It was 'different', unusual, and refreshing. His subject matter was based on local mythology and culture, and at times has an Aboriginal look about it..
I've never been a big fan of 'ethnic' painting or sculpture, but in Twins' case I make an exception.
He's a painter who's well worth looking at. Google Images has plenty of examples.
Talented man.
ReplyDeleteAnd very prolific.
DeleteOut of my comfort zone I'm afraid.
ReplyDeleteNot normally my cup of tea either.
DeleteWonderful !
ReplyDeleteIt does have a Aboriginal look about it. Must check out his work.
parsnip
It's a 'natural' art form that doesn't depend on spending years in front of a life model.
DeleteReminds me of Kandinsky.
ReplyDeleteBriony
x
I can see that too.
DeleteNot bad and quite busy work. It is almost like he foresaw the internet and came up with a such a distinctively searchable name.
ReplyDeleteToo busy for my taste. The Africans come up with some wonderful names!
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