Edward Saidi Tingatinga (Tanzanian, 1932-1972)
Untitled (Twiga), circa 1968-1972
Signed ‘E. S. Tingatinga’ (lower right)
Enamel paint on board
60.5 x 60 cm
Ksh 350,000-500,000
(US$ 3,270-4,670)
Sold Ksh 774,840
Provenance: private collection of Marc van Rampelberg
Edward Saidi Tingatinga’s art career lasted only four years from 1968 to 1972; cut tragically short when he was shot dead at the age of 40. His impact on Tanzanian art however has been profound and his legacy continues to build momentum.
The artist began practicing art out of necessity to make ends meet, finding that he could use enamel bicycle paint on ceiling board and sell his work inexpensively. He displayed these pieces in stores across Dar es Salaam and many expatriates, who lived in the area, noticed his unique and unusual style of painting and began collecting. As his success grew, Tingatinga hired and trained close friends and family, firstly helping him to prepare boards, and later guiding them to make their own paintings.
The Tingatinga style has now become a large industry in Tanzania, with high demand from local and international buyers, but few E.S. Tingatinga originals come on the market making these two paintings rare and very collectable.