Lot 51
George Lilanga
Tanzanian, 1934-2005
Untitled diptych, before 1998
Signed ‘Lilanga’ (lower middle), (lower right)
Enamel on board
48 x 60cm, 48 x 62cm
KES 150,000 – 250,000
USD 1,700 – 2,850
Provenance: private collection acquired by direct from artist
Sold KES 176,100
Lilanga’s works were inspired by the spirit world of the Makonde tribe in southern Tanzania. He began training as a sculptor in 1961, making wood carvings in the traditional Makonde style. In 1970 he moved to Dar es Salaam where he encountered the Tinga Tinga School which had a profound effect on his work. In 1978 he made his first trip to New York and the following year participated in a group exhibition of African artists in Washington.