George Lilanga (Tanzanian, 1934–2005)
Untitled (Drink and Dial), undated
Signed ‘Lilanga’ (on top of base)
Wood and enamel paint (repaired)
64.3 x 21.8 x 22 cm
Ksh 110,000–165,000
(US$ 1,000–1,500)
Sold Ksh 176,100
Provenance: private collection
George Lilanga fused influences from traditional Makonde carving with surreal, modern observations to create his much celebrated, idiosyncratic sculptures and paintings.
Lilanga began training as a sculptor in 1961, making woodcarvings in the traditional Makonde form. He moved to Dar es Salaam in 1970, where he encountered the Tingatinga School which had a profound effect on his work. In 1979 he participated in a group exhibition of African artists in Washington DC, where infamous graffiti artist Keith Haring saw his paintings and later acknowledged the significant impact this encounter had made on his work.
Today Lilanga is one of the region’s most admired artists and his work features in many important, private and institutional collections of African art.
This sculpture was damaged during transit and has been repaired, the price reflects the fact that it has been restored and could be a good opportunity to acquire a work by Lilanga at an affordable price.