BEN ENWONWU

Benedict Odinigwemmadu Enwonwu simply known as Ben Enwonwu was one of Africa's foremost artists to gain global recognition in the 20th century.  

He was a Nigerian Artist of the Igbo descent widely regarded as one of Africa's most influential modern artists.

EARLY LIFE AND EDUCATION

Ben was born on July 14, 1917, in Onitsha, Anambra, Eastern Nigeria. He was first introduced to art at a very young age by his father who was an Igbo traditional Sculptor. In 1933, Ben began his formal art education at Government College Ibadan and went on to complete it at Government College Umuahia in 1937 under the tutelage of Kenneth Crossworth Murray, a British art trainer of the colonial Administration in both Schools. His first solo exhibition was in Lagos in 1944 which won him a scholarship to further his art education at the Slade School in London, making him the first African Art graduate.

ARTISTIC DEVELOPMENT

Ben Enwonwu's artistic development was heavily influenced by his cultural heritage and his experiences growing up in Nigeria. Enwonwu's artistic career began in the 1940s when he started studying art in London. He was exposed to a range of artistic styles, including European modernism and traditional African art, which had a significant impact on his work. Enwonwu was particularly interested in the idea of fusing traditional African art with modernist techniques and styles. Throughout his career, Enwonwu produced a wide range of art, including sculptures, paintings, and drawings. His work often explored themes related to African identity, culture, and history. Enwonwu was also known for his portraits, which captured the beauty and complexity of the people he depicted. Enwonwu's artistic development was marked by a dedication to experimentation and innovation. He was constantly exploring new techniques and styles and pushing the boundaries of what was considered acceptable in the art world. This commitment to innovation helped Enwonwu gain international recognition and establish himself as one of the most important African artists of the 20th century.

RETURN TO NIGERIA

Ben played a key role in establishing and shaping the country's art scene. He advocated for the preservation and promotion of indegenoius Nigerian art forms. He served as an art supervisor of the colonial office upon his return from his studies in 1948. He worked worked as the cultural advisor to the newly formed Nigerian Government after independence in 1960. He also served as a teacher, writer, and an art critic.

  Ben was a professor at the universityof ife and lectured at Harvard University,New York University and Horward University USA. He was the artistic adviser to FESTAC the second black and African festival of arts and culture in Lagos, Nigeria in 1977.

Ben Enwonwu's achievements in Nigeria are numerous and significant. He was a pioneer in the Nigerian art world and played a crucial role in promoting and developing modern art in the country. One of Enwonwu's most significant achievements was his role in establishing the Zaria Art Society in 1958. This group of artists was dedicated to promoting modern art in Nigeria and played a crucial role in the development of contemporary Nigerian art. Enwonwu was also appointed the first art advisor to the Nigerian government in 1959, a position that allowed him to promote the arts and culture of Nigeria on a national level. He was a strong advocate for the importance of art education and played a key role in establishing the first art schools in Nigeria.Benedict Chukwukadibia Enwonwu was a Nigerian artist who lived from 1917 to 1994. He is considered one of Africa's greatest artists, and his works have gained recognition both nationally and internationally. Some of his most famous works include "Anyanwu," "Adetutu," and "African Dancers." Enwonwu's art often focused on themes of identity, culture, and history, and he was known for his ability to blend traditional African styles with contemporary Western techniques. His legacy continues to inspire artists across Africa and around the world.

HIS WORKS

He embarked on the African dance series after Queen Elizabeth's commissioned sculpture. He ventured into african traditional works which was largely inspired by a book titled "African Dances" a book authored by Geoffrey Gorer in 1935. Ben used the series as a visual illustration of his views on the state of the modern Nigerian culture at the time, with attention to the symbolic imageries he saw in different scenes of traditional ceremonies, cultural dances and ritual performances of different ethnic groups in the country. This became a dominant theme throughout his career and was revisited in alot of his paintings.