Odinigwe Benedict Chukwukadibia Enwonwu MBE (14 July 1917 – 5 February 1994), better known as Ben Enwonwu, was a Nigerian painter and sculptor.
Arguably the most influential African artist of the 20th century, his pioneering career opened the way for the postcolonial proliferation and increased visibility of modern African art.
He was one of the first African artists to win critical acclaim, having exhibited in august exhibition spaces in Europe and the United States and listed in international directories of contemporary art. Since 1950, Enwonwu was celebrated as "Africa's Greatest Artist" by the international media and his fame was used to enlist support for Black Nationalists movement all over the world. The Enwonwu crater on the planet Mercury is named in his honour.
Notable works
1951 – Portrait of Chief Candido Joao Da Rocha which was exhibited during FESTAC LAGOS 1977
1956 – Bronze sculpture of Queen Elizabeth II
1964 – Sango: the Yoruba god of lightning and thunder
1971 – Christine: Sold in 2019 for $1.4 million.
1973 – Tutu
1986 – Risen Christ: was displayed University of Ibadan but was torched as a result of a political-religious tensions.
Enwonwu's work is displayed in the National Gallery of Modern Art, Lagos. His works can also be viewed at the Virtual Museum of Modern Nigerian Art.
Awards
1944 - Shell Petroleum Scholarship: to study in the United Kingdom
1954- National Merit Award: for academic and intellectual attainment in Nigeria
1958 - Commonwealth Certificate in London: for contributions to art by the Royal Institute of Art
1958 - Member of the Order of the British Empire
1971 - Officer of the National Order of the Republic in Senegal
1980 - National Order of Merit in Nigeria: for contributions to art in Nigeria
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ben_Enwonwu
source http://www.nairaland.com/5990142/ben-enwonwus-103rd-posthumous-birthday
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