Lot 29

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

KES 70,000 – 100,000

USD 795 – 1,140

Provenance: Private collection, acquired in 2006

Sold KES 70,440

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.