Fabian Mpagi (Ugandan, 1953-2002)
The Cattle, 1978
Signed ‘FABIAN MPAGI 1978’ (lower right)
Oil on hardboard
69.5 x 85cm
Ksh 480,000-530,000
US$ 5,500-6,000
Bought in
Provenance: Klaus Betz collection
After graduating from Makerere University, Faculty of Fine Arts, Mpagi returned to Makerere in 1977 as a Masters student and teaching assistant. Due to difficulties associated with the political conditions of the time, Mpagi was unable to complete his studies. In 1982 he was forced into exile in Kenya and went on to have a successful career as a sculptor.
In 1989, Mpagi returned to Uganda and in the following year, he became the Director of Nommo Gallery. He resigned this post in 1998 to devote more time to his art. A fine draughtsman, Mpagi’s paintings and sculptures combine a good knowledge of anatomy, which are simplified into delicately rendered abstract figures as seen in this painting of cattle.