Lot 10

Richard Onyango (Kenyan, born 1960)
I Love Africa, 2003
Signed ‘Richard Malindi Kenya 2003’ (lower right)
Acrylic on canvas
79.6 x 99.4 cm
US$ 3,000 – 4,000
Provenance: Daraja collection
Cleaned and revarnished in the UK
Sold US$ 4,696

Living and working in Malindi, Richard Onyango is one of Kenya’s most well-known artists with an extensive international following. He began his career by supporting himself through a number of occupations including working as a carpenter, fashion designer, woodcarver, sign painter, farmer and musician. His life changed at the age of 20 when he was working as a drummer in a band and first met his British lover Drosie, who took him under her wing. He began his art career painting pictures of his memories of her and their relationship.


Onyango was included in the Africa Remix exhibition at the Hayward Gallery, London; the Museum of Fine Art in Houston, USA in 2005; and at the Venice Biennale in 2003. He is represented in the Contemporary African Art Collection (CAAC) in Geneva, Switzerland, which was founded by Jean Pigozzi. It is the largest private collection of its kind and includes several of his major works. He has now retired.