Lot 28

Edward Saidi Tingatinga (Tanzanian, 1932 – 1972)
Untitled (Tortoise), circa 1968-1972
Signed ‘E.S. Tingatinga’ (lower middle)
Enamel on board
61 x 61 cm
KES 900,000 – 1,500,000
Provenance: Private collection, acquired by the current owner circa 1988
Sold KES 3,169,800

Edward Saidi Tingatinga’s art career lasted only four years from 1968 – 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 has continued to build momentum.

The artist developed his distinctive approach to creating paintings initially 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 style of painting and began to collect his work. 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.

This is the first ‘tortoise’ we have been offered and was part of the Gallery Watatu collection. It comes with a certificate of authenticity.