Professor Elias Njengo (Tanzanian, born 1936)
Halloween In An African Perspective, 2003
signed and dated ‘E. Njengo’ (lower right)
oil on canvas
75.5 x 86.5cm
Ksh 70,000–100,000
US$ 795–1,140
Sold Ksh 70,440
Provenance: Private collection, acquired in 2006
Professor Njengo is one of Tanzania’s best-known artists from the post independence era. He studied at Makarere University and has an MA from Concordian University, Montreal. He has been teaching at the department of Fine and Performing Arts, University of Dar es Salaam for many years where he has had a profound effect on a generation of artists. He is active on various committees including as a Trustee of Nafasi Art Space, where he supports future generations of artists.
Since the 1960s he has featured in countless group exhibitions internationally and his works can be seen in public institutions and spaces across Tanzania. He describes his works as semi-abstract, but based on his African identity.