NIGERIAN SCENES FROM EVERYDAY LIFE
each beaten copper
(i) 24 x 31.5cm; 9 1/2 x 12 1/2in
(ii) 16 x 29cm; 6 1/4 x 11 1/2in
(iii) 21 x 24cm; 8 1/4 x 9 1/2in
all unframed
(3)

Executed circa 1960.

Property of a Private Collector, London

Provenance
Priscilla and Zbyszek Płocki

Exhibited
London, John Martin, Asiru Olatunde: Chasing Dreams, 2005

These are some of the earliest works produced by Asiru Olatunde; a Nigerian artist, blacksmith and painter, known as part of the creative community of the Oshogbo School of Art. His alumium panels are studies in texture and reflected light. The overall stippling pattern recalls the white painted dots found on some traditional wooden shrine figures. Olatunde's subjects include narratives drawn from Yoruba oral tradition, Bible stories set in Nigerian settings and scenes from everyday life.

In 2005, John Martin exhibited Asiru Olatunde: Chasing Dreams, the first ever exhibition devoted to Olatunde's work. Aiding in the organisation of the exhibition was Ulli Beier, founder of Black Orpheus magazine, art teacher and patron, was a great friend and collector of Olatunde's works. Helping to found the Iwaliwahaus, an institution dedicated to African art and studies, he became friends with Olatunde after seeing him sitting in the blacksmiths across from his house. His talents were revealed to Beier after an intricate lion cut out of copper plate was found outside his house. Upon finding this treasure, Beier encouraged Olatunde to pursue his art. This encouragement bought Asiru immediate success after Beier sold his works to friends, and with this triumph Olatunde's career took off, allowing an artist of extraordinary imagination and innovation to become one of the great modern artists of Nigeria.