Ben Enwonwu’s Works Lead Bonhams Africa Now Sale

Nigerian artist Ben Enwonwu’s “Rhapsody in Blue” (1988) is among the 25 lots by the artist in the 121-lot Bonhams Africa Now Sale in London on Thursday, October 4. The work, estimate to sell for £60,000-90,000, depicts the silhouette of a female nude, reclining against a vibrant blue and yellow background. Through the work, Enwonwu expresses his solidarity with the Negritude movement though his striking portrayal of the central female form.

“Ogolo” (1989), another leading work by the artist, depicts a monumental, dark painting of a male masquerade figure and is estimated to sell for £200,000-300,000. It was executed by Enwonwu two years after the death of his elder brother, Ike Francis Enwonwu. Enwonwu had a preoccupation with the striking tribal figure, which reappeared in many of his works between the years of 1988 and 1994, after witnessing it during a traditional masquerade at his brother’s funeral.

Also selling at the auction are the artist’s other version of “Ogolo”, signed and dated 1992, and with an estimate of £100,000-150,000; his “AgbogoMmuo Ogolo”, titled, signed, and dated 1992. Part of the Igbo pantheon, the masquerade figures of Agbogho, Mmuo and Ogolo have been celebrated for centuries in Nigeria. The work is estimated at £80,000-120,000.

There is also a rediscovered 1974 version of the artist’s “Tutu”, which the second rediscovered portrait of the artist’s famous sitter, the Ife royal, Princess Adetutu Ademiluyi, to come to market. The first rediscovered portrait had sold for over a million pounds at a previous Bonhams auction. The second rediscovered portrait, which until recently has been considered lost, has estimated value of£200,000-300,000.

“Ben Enwonwu’s reputation has always been high but since Bonhams record breaking sale of Ben Enwonwu's ‘Tutu’, 1974, in February, we are finding an increased interest in his works,” said Bonhams Director of Modern African Art, Giles Peppiatt. “Bonhams is honoured to have been entrusted with the sale of such a wonderful selection. His pieces are completely captivating and depict both the culture and landscape of Nigeria.”