7th May, 2025 12:00
Modern & Contemporary African & Middle Eastern Art
9
‡ SIMEON NWOKO (NIGERIAN B.1996)
OWONIBI
signed with initials and Nwoko Simeon lower left
acrylic on canvas
120 x 149cm; 47 1/4 x 58 1/2in
unframed
Property of a Private Collector, New Jersey
Simeon Nwoko is a Nigerian-born visual artist who uses his painting to represent optimism, remembrance, and loyalty to self resilience. His signature choice of yellow for his subjects symbolises his diverse background and the psychological benefits of the colour, including enhanced mental activity, communication, vision, confidence, clarity, hope, honour, joy, and loyalty. The yellow hue also recalls the song Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree, released in 1973 by Tony Orlando and Dawn, which later inspired the tradition of wearing yellow ribbons as a symbol of hope during hostage crises, as families await the return of a loved one.
Using various media including acrylic, charcoal, and oil paints, Nwoko captures the emotional depth of human experiences, aiming to create art that serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for those in despair.
Sold for £800
OWONIBI
signed with initials and Nwoko Simeon lower left
acrylic on canvas
120 x 149cm; 47 1/4 x 58 1/2in
unframed
Property of a Private Collector, New Jersey
Simeon Nwoko is a Nigerian-born visual artist who uses his painting to represent optimism, remembrance, and loyalty to self resilience. His signature choice of yellow for his subjects symbolises his diverse background and the psychological benefits of the colour, including enhanced mental activity, communication, vision, confidence, clarity, hope, honour, joy, and loyalty. The yellow hue also recalls the song Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree, released in 1973 by Tony Orlando and Dawn, which later inspired the tradition of wearing yellow ribbons as a symbol of hope during hostage crises, as families await the return of a loved one.
Using various media including acrylic, charcoal, and oil paints, Nwoko captures the emotional depth of human experiences, aiming to create art that serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for those in despair.
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
