George Lilanga di Nyama (Tanzanian, 1934-2005) Hebo Nisadienii Huu Mzi Gio Kwasa Babu Nimechoka Sana 58 11/16 x 29 1/8in (149 x 74cm)
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Notes : PROVENANCE:Ex. coll. Ruth Schaffner of Gallery Watatu, NairobiA private collection, UKAs a Makonde, Lilanga is strongly influenced by the mapico dance and associated sculpture, which embody movement in space, caricature and social criticism. He started carving in 1961 in his home region of Lindi, and the following year studied drawing, engraving and lithography at the Nyumba ya Sanaa. In the early 1970s he moved to Dar es Salaam and became associated with the newly founded Nyumba ya Sanaa cultural centre. From there, he flourished as an artist, exhibiting throughout the world. In 1978, Lilanga participated in a collective exhibition of African artists in Washington DC. Lilanga was considered to have had an influence on the young American graffiti artists, including Keith Haring who acknowledged him as a significant influence.His encounter in 1980 with the Tingatinga School dramatically altered his style, so that his works featured vividly-colored animals in the main. He has reinterpreted this from a Makonde viewpoint and his later paintings are populated with expressive characters and shetani spirits in motion."Lilanga's art is animated by a keen sense of social critique and caricature, and illustrates the continuity of artistic vision among the Makonde and its renewal in the context of the present day."BIBLIOGRAPHY:A. Magnin et al, African Art Now: Masterpieces from the Jean Pigozzi Collection (London 2005)
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