Peter Ngugi (Kenyan, born 1979)
Untitled, circa 1998/9
signed ‘Ghose’ (lower right)
acrylic on canvas
30 x 30cm
Ksh 35,000–40,000
US$ 400–460
Sold Ksh 164,360
Provenance: Private Collection
Ngugi has developed his formal, stylised paintings over the past two decades of practicing as a full-time artist. Ngugi is self-taught and the two works featured in this sale are from a period when he was particularly influenced by Dali and other Surrealists and was drawing on their formal qualities to inform his local context. He also cites Edward Tingatinga’s work as an inspiration for its pared-down and naive approach. Ngugi’s work is rooted in Kenya – whether expressing political opinion, observing life on the streets or nature around him. These small paintings are from a short period when he signed his work ‘Ghose’.