Under the Hammer
Eunice Olumide's Top Picks from The Modern & Contemporary African Art Sale
Spanning the mid-20th century to the present day, Bonhams' Modern & Contemporary African Art sales in London and New York feature artists from a multitude of cultures, offering a unique perspective on the complex heritage of this dynamic continent.
Ahead of our next Modern & Contemporary African Art sale in London on 17 March, Eunice Olumide MBE selects her top picks from the sale. A Scottish Supermodel, Olumide was born in Edinburgh to Nigerian parents and is known as a cultural commentator, author, producer and curator. In 2018, Olumide was awarded the title of V&A Design champion and currently has a permanent installation on her life and work at the National Museum of Scotland. She is also the founder of the Olumide Gallery in London.
Eunice Olumide MBE
Eunice Olumide MBE
Lot 10
Yusuf Adebayo Cameron Grillo
Ayi and Tayi
Lot 10. Yusuf Grillo, Ayi and Tayi, £100,000 - 150,000
Lot 10. Yusuf Grillo, Ayi and Tayi, £100,000 - 150,000
Ayi and Tayi is the perfect balance of grace and harmony expressed through an astute persuasive geometric arrangement, accentuated by the thoroughly distinct and sophisticated colour crafts by the inimitable Grillo. A true patriot and supporter of Nigerian autonomy, he epitomises the modern-day revolutionist and his work consistently pays homage to traditional Yoruba culture. What is particularly endearing in this work is the intimacy and purist affection; something that within the current socio-political climate is an ever-increasing necessity.
Lot 52
Gerard Sekoto
Township Scene
Lot 52. Gerard Sekoto, Township scene, Estimate: £7,000-10,000
Lot 52. Gerard Sekoto, Township scene, Estimate: £7,000-10,000
Gerard Sekoto is a master of invigorating social realism that is refreshing and present here in Township scene. The effortless charm and light-hearted application of colour in this work seems steeped in song and movement. Bringing to life the authenticity and veracity of the people’s everyday lives, the mundane suddenly becomes the magnificent.
Lot 75
Abiodun Olaku
Kano Horsemen
Lot 75. Abiodun Olaku, Kano Horsemen, Estimate: £6,000 - 9,000
Lot 75. Abiodun Olaku, Kano Horsemen, Estimate: £6,000 - 9,000
The combination of dramatic realism and attention to detail in the movement of this piece transport the viewer immediately into the moment, allowing the possibility to transcend space and time. A favourite for his flawless composition, this is yet another stunning work by the illustrious Abiodun Olaku.
Lot 24
Irma Stern
The Water Carriers
Lot 24. Irma Stern, The Water Carriers, Estimate: £700,000-1,000,000
Lot 24. Irma Stern, The Water Carriers, Estimate: £700,000-1,000,000
What seems most clear is the dignity and relished responsibility that is captured so comprehensively by Irma Stern in this beautifully extraordinary and expressive work. Rendered with a definitive boldness; the ordinary action of these mothers, sisters and daughters becomes the extraordinary. An opportunity to contemplate that all life is dependent on water and that heaven is at the feet of your mother.
Lot 27
Benedict Chukwukadibia Enwonwu M.B.E
Anyanwu
Lot 27. Benedict Enwonwu MBE, Anyanwu, Estimate: £120,000 - 180,000
Lot 27. Benedict Enwonwu MBE, Anyanwu, Estimate: £120,000 - 180,000
Anyanwu, meaning the eye of the sun, is an Igbo solar deity and an iconic signature piece by Ben Enwonwu that connects the modern world to that of its ancestors. Meticulously crafted, the figure holds such incredible beauty and poise that I find completely disarming - she is a truly captivating symbol of the role of women and the mother in the ancient, Nigerian Igbo tradition. The viewer is invited on a journey that contemplates the majesty of the expression and indeed what lies beneath.
Lot 63
Aime Mpane
A portrait of Marie-Pierre Ntibe Kawa
Lot 63. Aime Mpane, A portrait of Marie-Pierre Ntiba Kawa, Estimate: £7,000-10,000
Lot 63. Aime Mpane, A portrait of Marie-Pierre Ntiba Kawa, Estimate: £7,000-10,000
Call it love at first sight, the innocence and purity of the piece invokes a certain level of peacefulness. The traditionality of the image captures that of the day to day lives of women throughout the African continent. The firewood is a symbol that celebrates women and their ability to bring joy, light and a spark of hope to their families.
Lot 56
Joseph Ntensibe
Under African Skies
Lot 56. Joseph Ntensibe, Under African Skies, Estimate: £10,000-15,000
Lot 56. Joseph Ntensibe, Under African Skies, Estimate: £10,000-15,000
The plethora of boundless beauty envelop anyone who engages with the pieces in utter joy. A homage to the palpable African treasures that exit within the natural environment. A feeling of movement and existential freedom commanded by un unequivocal attention to detail that is utterly exquisite.
Lot 6
Robert Griffiths Hodgins
Two from Babylon (2003/4)
Lot 6. Robert Griffiths Hodgins, Two from Babylon (2003/4), Estimate: £25,000-35,000
Lot 6. Robert Griffiths Hodgins, Two from Babylon (2003/4), Estimate: £25,000-35,000
The Two from Babylon has its base in Babylon, the ancient kingdom, an epicentre of materialism, idolatry and pure sin. Hodgins' deliberate framing and candid use of colour and composition urge the viewer to question what is indeed the purpose of life? Mere folly or something more profound? Are they in darkness or are they of the light? Multifaceted and intertextual, abundant in its historical grounding, the more you study the work the more a thorough analysis of the current world seems inevitable.
Lot 77
Otis Kwame Kye Quaicoe
Concerned Citizen
Lot 77. Otis Kwame Kye Quaicoe, Concerned Citizen, Estimate: £10,000-15,000
Lot 77. Otis Kwame Kye Quaicoe, Concerned Citizen, Estimate: £10,000-15,000
Painted in 2017, Concerned Citizen is a disquieting contemporary portrait that reflects upon the affects of a modern, tumultuous socio-political period in Ghana. I find that this works brings a wider consideration of history, where human beings have seemingly been at the heart of our own destruction, some say infantilized by politicians, bourgeoise and aristocracy. This playful colourful palate discusses the philosophical statement of the work that challenges both society and those in positions of power.
Eunice Olumide is a Scottish supermodel, cultural commentator and producer, as well as founder of the Olumide Gallery. Follow her on Instagram at @euniceolumide.
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