7th May, 2025 12:00

Modern & Contemporary African & Middle Eastern Art

 
Lot 12
 


Lot 12 - MURAINA OYELAMI (NIGERIAN B.1940)
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12

‡ MURAINA OYELAMI (NIGERIAN B.1940)

UNTITLED (FAVOURITE THEME)
signed and dated MURAINA OYELAMI '95 lower right; titled Favourite Theme lower left
oil on board
73 x 58cm; 28 3/4 x 23in
86 x 71cm; 34 x 28in (framed)

Property of a Private Collector, Germany

Chief Muraina Oyelami is a Nigerian painter, drummer and actor of Yoruba descent. His style is characterised by strong lines and a muted palette, juxtaposing subtle tones with demarcated geometric shapes usually depicting various scenes inspired by Yoruba culture. In the present work, Oyelami portrays daily life in Nigeria such as the sight of the pink-coloured Pelican bird (coined Ofú in Yoruba language), rural village structures rendered in vibrant colours, and portrayals of agricultural landscapes with yellow and bright green crops. Oil paintings such as this one embody Muraina’s shift from abstract representations of city life towards more structured and figurative compositions from the 1980s onwards, encompassing broader aspects of Yoruba life.

Sold for £3,000


 

UNTITLED (FAVOURITE THEME)
signed and dated MURAINA OYELAMI '95 lower right; titled Favourite Theme lower left
oil on board
73 x 58cm; 28 3/4 x 23in
86 x 71cm; 34 x 28in (framed)

Property of a Private Collector, Germany

Chief Muraina Oyelami is a Nigerian painter, drummer and actor of Yoruba descent. His style is characterised by strong lines and a muted palette, juxtaposing subtle tones with demarcated geometric shapes usually depicting various scenes inspired by Yoruba culture. In the present work, Oyelami portrays daily life in Nigeria such as the sight of the pink-coloured Pelican bird (coined Ofú in Yoruba language), rural village structures rendered in vibrant colours, and portrayals of agricultural landscapes with yellow and bright green crops. Oil paintings such as this one embody Muraina’s shift from abstract representations of city life towards more structured and figurative compositions from the 1980s onwards, encompassing broader aspects of Yoruba life.

Auction: Modern & Contemporary African & Middle Eastern Art, 7th May, 2025

Auction Location: London, UK

The Modern & Contemporary African and Middle Eastern Art market has flourished over the last 15 years and continues to grow, establishing a strong foothold in the UK.  Our expert department at Olympia Auctions has, uniquely among other auction houses, brought together the synergies of the Arab world, Maghreb and the rest of Africa, reflecting the mutuality and shared history of these regions. 

Our previous sales have included works from the collection of the late Saudi collector, Dr Mohammed Said Farsi and the Zulficar Family Collection. 

Each spring and autumn, we hold bi-annual, tightly curated, live auctions, offering both young and established collectors the opportunity to acquire works in a wide range of price brackets. 

Contact expert Janet Rady to consign in a future sale or for any queries: janet.rady@olympiaauctions.com | + 44 (0)20 7806 5541

For further sale enquiries please contact Isobel Bambury: isobel.bambury@olympiaauctions.com | + 44 (0)20 7806 5541

PUBLIC EXHIBITION
Thursday 1st May: 10:00am- 8.30pm (Private View: 5:00 - 8:30pm including Panel Discussion at 7:00pm)
Friday 2nd May: 10:00am-5:00pm
Monday 5th May: 12:00pm-4:00pm 
Tuesday 6th May 10:00am - 5:00pm

AUCTION
Wednesday 7th May, 12:00pm  

Viewing

Public Exhibition:
Thursday 1st May: 10:00am- 8.30pm  (Private View: 5:00pm - 8:30pm including Panel Discussion at 7:00pm)
Friday 2nd May: 10:00am-5:00pm
Monday 5th May: 12:00pm-4:00pm 
Tuesday 6th May 10:00am - 5:00pm

AUCTION
Wednesday 7th May, 12:00pm  

View all lots in this sale