Lot 25

E. S. Tingatinga (Tanzanian, 1932 – 1972)
Untitled (Kifaru/Rhino), between 1970 – 1972
Signed ‘E. S. TINGATINGA’ (lower left)
Enamel on board
63.5 x 60 cm
Ksh 900,000 – 2,050,000
(US$) 8,000 – 18,000
Provenance: private collection

Sold Ksh 3,169,800

Edward Saidi Tingatinga’s art career lasted only four years from 1968–72; cut tragically short when he was shot dead at the age of forty. His impact on Tanzanian art however has been profound and his legacy has continued to gain momentum.

The artist initially developed his distinctive approach to creating paintings out of necessity to make ends meet, finding that he could use enamel bicycle paint on ceiling board and sell his work inexpensively. He displayed these pieces in stores across Dar es Salaam and many expatriates who lived in the area began to collect his work. As his success grew, Tingatinga hired and trained close friends and family, firstly helping him to prepare boards, and later guiding them to make their own paintings.

The Tingatinga style has now become a large industry in Tanzania, with high demand from local and international buyers, but few E. S. Tingatinga originals come on the market. Value continues to increase as original works become more and more rare.

This piece was bought by the current owner from the previous collector, who acquired the work whilst working in Dar es Salaam in the 1970s/80s directly from the Tingatinga family.