Uche Okeke Paintings & Artwork for Sale | Uche Okeke Art Value Price Guide

Mar. 25, 2025
Uche Okeke, Nigerian 1933-2016 - Mural for the Children's Library in Enugu, c.1964; oil on panel
Est: £300 - £500
Uche Okeke, Nigerian 1933-2016 - Mural for the Children's Library in Enugu, c.1964; oil on panel, three parts, 122 x 452.7 cm (overall), 122 x 101 cm (left), 122 x 244.2 cm (middle), 122 x 107.5 cm (right) Note: a copy of a certificate from the The Asele Institute, Nimo, Anambra State, Nigeria, established by Okeke in 1958, accompanies this lot. Provenance: the Family of the Artist, acquired from the Enugu State Library Board Note: a pioneering figure in modern African art, Uche Okeke was a co-founder of the Zaria Art Society in 1958, in which he created his own visual language called Natural Synthesis—a fusion of indigenous Nigerian aesthetics with the European style techniques being taught by most of the professors at the the Nigerian College in early stages of British colonialism. He sought to create art that both reflected local aesthetics and represent African Modernism. This monumental painting is a striking example of his mastery of his new visual language of European expressionism and post-Impressionism with traditional flowing, calligraphic lines and symbolic motifs rooted in uli, the traditional Igbo art form of line making, often murals. This work was created for the children's section in the East Central State Library in Enugu, Nigeria, which was founded by UNESCO in 1958. Through striking colours and dynamic linework, Okeke weaves a visual narrative rich in cultural heritage, yet delightful enough to captivate the children within its walls. Okeke held many teaching positions over his career, including Head of the Fine Arts department at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, from 1971 to 1985. He cultivated many students, including El Anatsui. Okeke's works have been widely exhibited and are held in major collections such as the Museum of Modern Art, New York, National Gallery of Modern Art, Lagos, and the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art, Washington, DC.
Roseberys
Oct. 16, 2024
Prof. Christopher Uchefuna 'Uche' Okeke (Nigerian, 1933-2016) Portrait of Kwame Nkrumah
Est: £40,000 - £60,000
Prof. Christopher Uchefuna 'Uche' Okeke (Nigerian, 1933-2016) Portrait of Kwame Nkrumah oil on canvas laid to board 48 x 38cm (18 7/8 x 14 15/16in).
Bonhams
Oct. 16, 2024
Prof. Christopher Uchefuna 'Uche' Okeke (Nigerian, 1933-2016) Crucifixion series
Est: £40,000 - £60,000
Prof. Christopher Uchefuna 'Uche' Okeke (Nigerian, 1933-2016) Crucifixion series i) signed 'C. Uche. Okeke' (lower left) gouache on paper 51 x 39cm (20 1/16 x 15 3/8in). ii) signed and dated 'Uche Okeke 1963' (lower right) gouache on paper 50 x 37cm (19 11/16 x 14 9/16in). iii) signed 'C. Uche. Okeke' (lower left) gouache on paper 51 x 39cm (20 1/16 x 15 3/8in). iv) signed 'C. Uche. Okeke' (upper left) gouache on paper 51 x 38cm (20 1/16 x 14 15/16in). v) signed 'C. Uche. Okeke' (lower right) gouache on paper 51 x 39cm (20 1/16 x 15 3/8in). vi) signed 'C. Uche. Okeke' (lower left) gouache on paper 51 x 39.5cm (20 1/16 x 15 9/16in). (6)
Bonhams
Mar. 21, 2024
Osondu (Refugees)
Est: £3,000 - £5,000
Uche Okeke Nigerian 1933-2016 Osondu (Refugees) signed and titled (lower edge) ink on paper 14.6 by 29.5cm., 5¾ by 11⅝in. framed: 36.5 by 41cm., 14⅜ by 16⅛in. Executed in 1968
Sotheby's
Oct. 19, 2023
Creature of the Deep
Est: £8,000 - £12,000
Uche Okeke Nigerian 1933-2016 Creature of the Deep tapestry 80 by 135cm; 31½ by 53⅛ in. (irreg.) Executed in 1978
Sotheby's
Oct. 19, 2023
The Crucifixion
Est: £12,000 - £18,000
Uche Okeke Nigerian 1933-2016 The Crucifixion wool tapestry 135 by 80cm; 53⅛ by 31½ in. (irreg.) Executed in 1978
Sotheby's
Oct. 19, 2023
Forest Landscape
Est: £30,000 - £50,000
Uche Okeke Nigerian 1933-2016 Forest Landscape signed and dated 1981(lower right) oil on board 116.8 by 121.9cm., 46 by 48in
Sotheby's
Oct. 14, 2023
UCHE OKEKE (1933-2016) Osondu (Refugees) ink on paper 5 ¾ x 11 5/8in. (14.6
Est: £4,000 - £6,000
UCHE OKEKE (1933-2016) Osondu (Refugees) ink on paper 5 ¾ x 11 5/8in. (14.6 x 29.5cm.)
Christie's
Oct. 12, 2023
Prof. Uche Okeke (Nigerian, 1933-2016) Drawings , published Mbari Club, Ibadan Nigeria, 1961 together with hand written letters from Uche Okeke
Est: £500 - £800
Prof. Uche Okeke (Nigerian, 1933-2016) One letter, A book on drawings; and three more books i) K. J. Bryant, Kano: Gateway to Northern Nigeria, A Guide-book Compiled by K. J. Bryant, (Zaria: Gaskiya, 1959). ii) K. J. Bryant, A guide to Jos (Zaria: Gasiya Corp., 1961). iii) R. Day, West African Atlas: West African Maps Prepared By R. Day, (Exeter: A. Wheaton & Company Ltd, 1961) iv) Uche Okeke, 'drawings' printed book. published by Mbari Club, Ibadan Nigeria, 1961? v) A letter written and signed by Uche Okeke
Bonhams
Oct. 12, 2023
Prof. Uche Okeke (Nigerian, 1933-2016) Onwa, Face of the Moon, 1983 (framed)
Est: £10,000 - £15,000
Prof. Uche Okeke (Nigerian, 1933-2016) Onwa, Face of the Moon, 1983 signed 'UO/:3' (lower right) gouache on paper 45 x 30cm (17 11/16 x 11 13/16in). (framed)
Bonhams
Oct. 12, 2023
Prof. Uche Okeke (Nigerian, 1933-2016) Primeval Forest (framed)
Est: £80,000 - £120,000
Prof. Uche Okeke (Nigerian, 1933-2016) Primeval Forest signed and dated 'Uche Okeke/ 1965' (lower right), signed, dated and inscribed 'UCHE OKEKE/ ENUGU/ 1965/ 'Primeval Forest'' (verso) and '44' (verso of frame); further accompanied by a gallery label inscribed 'UCHE OKEKE/ PRIMEVAL FOREST/ 1965' (attached to verso) oil on board 179.5 x 118.5cm (70 11/16 x 46 5/8in). (framed)
Bonhams
Mar. 22, 2023
Prof. Uche Okeke (Nigerian, 1933-2016) Madonna & Child, the Manger (framed)
Est: £80,000 - £120,000
Prof. Uche Okeke (Nigerian, 1933-2016) Madonna & Child, the Manger signed and dated 'Uche Okeke 1965' (lower left); further inscribed 'UCHE OKEKE/ENUGU 1965' (verso) oil on board 89 x 120cm (35 1/16 x 47 1/4in). (framed)
Bonhams
Oct. 20, 2022
Four Works on Paper
Est: £4,000 - £6,000
Uche Okeke Nigerian 1933-2016 Four Works on Paper I. Jan Kei titled (lower right); signed and dated 1957 (lower left); inscribed D54 (on the reverse) pen on paper 20 by 12.5cm., 7 by 4in. framed: 34 by 25cm., 13 by 9in. II. On Salah Day '56 (At Prayer) titled (upper left); signed and dated 1956 (lower right); inscribed D58 (on the reverse) pen on paper 20 by 13cm., 7 by 5in. framed: 34 by 25cm., 13 by 9in. III. Three Wise Men titled (lower left); signed and dated 1966 (lower right) linocut 19.5 by 13cm.,7 by 5in. framed: 33 by 25.5cm., 13 by 10in. IV. Untitled (Landscape) signed and dated 1959 (lower left); inscribed D328 (on the reverse) graphite on paper 21 by 26cm., 8 by 10in. framed: 34 by 39cm., 13 by 15in. Bid on Sotheby's
Sotheby's
Jul. 25, 2022
UCHE OKEKE (1933- 2016) UNTITLED
Est: $3,000 - $5,000
1965 Pencil on paper 10(1/2) x 7(1/8) in 26.5 x 18 cm Signed and dated (lower right)
Arthouse Contemporary
Mar. 22, 2022
Egbenuoba, A Collection of Five Drawings
Est: £4,000 - £6,000
Uche Okeke Nigerian 1933-2016 Egbenuoba, A Collection of Five Drawings I. Egbenuoba signed and dated 18/1/61 (lower left); titled and inscribed Zaria 1961 (on the reverse) charcoal on paper 25.7 by 20.7cm., 10 by 8in. II. Head with Horn signed and dated 1962 (lower right); titled and dated (on the reverse) charcoal on paper 45.5 by 32cm., 18 by 12½in. III. Design for a Wrought Iron Work signed and dated 1959 (lower right); titled (on the reverse) pen on paper 17.5 by 14cm., 6¾ by 5½in. IV. Untitled signed and dated September 1961 (lower left) charcoal on paper 9.5 by 21.5cm., 3¾ by 8½in. V. Mansion in the Village signed and dated 1966 (lower right); titled and inscribed Social 39 (on the reverse) pen on paper 17 by 10.3cm., 6¾ by 4in.
Sotheby's
Mar. 22, 2022
Plant Form from Uli Grove; Factories and houses
Est: £4,000 - £6,000
Uche Okeke Nigerian 1933-2016 (i) Plant Form from Uli Grove, 1989 (ii) Factories and houses, 1958 (i) signed and dated 1989 (lower right); titled, dated and numbered #82 (on the reverse) gouache and pencil on paper 26.5 by 21cm., 10½ by 8¼in. framed: 46.5 by 40.5cm., 18¼ by 16in. (ii) signed and dated 1958 (lower right); dated 5/4/58 (upper right) watercolor and pencil on paper 14 by 19cm., 5½ by 7½in. framed: 37.5 by 42.5cm., 14¾ by 16¾in.
Sotheby's
Mar. 22, 2022
Savannah Sunset
Est: £4,000 - £6,000
Uche Okeke Nigerian 1933-2016 Savannah Sunset signed and dated 1965 (lower right); titled and dated (on the reverse) gouache on paper 51 by 64cm., 20 by 25¼in.
Sotheby's
Mar. 09, 2022
Prof. Uche Okeke (Nigerian, 1933-2016) Two works on paper (i-ii):
Est: £3,000 - £5,000
Prof. Uche Okeke (Nigerian, 1933-2016) Two works on paper (i-ii): (i) Of the Primeval Forest signed and dated 'Uche/ 62' (upper right); titled and inscribed 'D/822' (verso) pen and ink on airmail envelope 22.8 x 10.2cm (9 x 4in). (ii) Growth (from the series 'Experiments Uli') signed and dated 'C. Uche Okeke/ 1962' (lower left); titled and inscribed 'D/795' (verso) pen and ink on paper 22 x 13.4cm (8 11/16 x 5 1/4in). (2) For further information on this lot please visit the Bonhams website
Bonhams
Mar. 09, 2022
Prof. Uche Okeke (Nigerian, 1933-2016) Two watercolour studies (i-ii): ((2))
Est: £6,000 - £9,000
Prof. Uche Okeke (Nigerian, 1933-2016) Two watercolour studies (i-ii): (i) Untitled signed and dated 'C Uche Okeke/ '58' (lower left); further dated '4/4/58' (upper right); inscribed 'D/89'(verso) watercolour and graphite on paper 14 x 19.1cm (5 1/2 x 7 1/2in). (ii) Untitled signed and dated 'C Uche Okeke/ '58' (lower right); further dated '29/3/58' (upper right); inscribed 'D/88'(verso) watercolour and graphite on paper 14.1 x 19.2cm (5 9/16 x 7 9/16in). (2) For further information on this lot please visit the Bonhams website
Bonhams
Nov. 29, 2021
UCHE OKEKE (1933-2016) LIFE II (FROM THE EXPERIMENTS ULI SERIES)
Est: $4,000 - $6,000
1962 Pen and ink on paper 25 x 18.75 cm. (9⅞ x 7½ in.) Signed and dated (lower left)
Arthouse Contemporary
Oct. 12, 2021
Prof. Uche Okeke (Nigerian, 1933-2016) Oja Suite, six drawings (1959-1962) ((6))
Est: £7,000 - £10,000
Prof. Uche Okeke (Nigerian, 1933-2016) Oja Suite, six drawings (1959-1962) all signed and dated; all inscribed with respective titles (verso) pen and ink on paper 19 x 15.5cm (7 1/2 x 6 1/8in). (6) For further information on this lot please visit the Bonhams website
Bonhams
Sep. 29, 2021
Christopher Uchefuna Okeke (Nigeria 1933-2016), Plant Form from Uli Grove
Est: R80,000 - R120,000
Plant Form from Uli Grove
Aspire Art
Sep. 29, 2021
Christopher Uchefuna Okeke (Nigeria 1933-2016), Factories and houses (recto); Figure facing a wall (verso)
Est: R50,000 - R60,000
Factories and houses (recto); Figure facing a wall (verso)
Aspire Art
Jun. 07, 2021
Uche Okeke | Life II (From the Experiments Uli series)
Est: $4,000 - $6,000
UCHE OKEKE (Nigerian, 1933-2016) LIFE II (FROM THE EXPERIMENTS ULI SERIES) 1962 Pen and ink on paper 25 x 18.5 cm. (9 7⁄8 x 7 1 ⁄2 in.) Signed and dated (lower left) $ 4,000-6,000
Arthouse Contemporary
Jun. 07, 2021
Uche Okeke | From the Wild Region (From the Experiments Uli series)
Est: $4,000 - $6,000
UCHE OKEKE (Nigerian, 1933-2016) FROM THE WILD REGION (FROM THE EXPERIMENTS ULI SERIES) 1962 Pen and ink on paper 25 x 18.5 cm. (9 7⁄8 x 7 1⁄2 in.) Signed and dated (lower right) $ 4,000-6,000
Arthouse Contemporary
Apr. 21, 2021
Christopher Uchefuna Okeke (Nigeria 1933-2016) Oja Suite, 1962
Est: R18,000 - R22,000
signed and dated bottom left; inscribed with the title and numbered 27 on the reverse
Aspire Art
Apr. 21, 2021
Christopher Uchefuna Okeke (Nigeria 1933-2016) Birds in Flight, 1966
Est: R18,000 - R22,000
signed and dated bottom left; inscribed with the title and numbered #32 on the reverse
Aspire Art
Apr. 21, 2021
Christopher Uchefuna Okeke (Nigeria 1933-2016) New Pots, 1962
Est: R18,000 - R22,000
signed and dated top left; inscribed with the title and numbered #30 on the reverse
Aspire Art
Mar. 17, 2021
Prof. Uche Okeke (Nigerian, 1933-2016) Madonna & Child, the Manger
Est: £80,000 - £120,000
Prof. Uche Okeke (Nigerian, 1933-2016) Madonna & Child, the Manger signed and dated 'Uche Okeke 1965'(lower left) oil on board 89 x 120cm (35 1/16 x 47 1/4in). For further information on this lot please visit the Bonhams website
Bonhams
Mar. 04, 2021
Christopher Uchefuna Okeke, Nok Suite, six
Est: R180,000 - R240,000
Christopher Uchefuna Okeke, Nigerian 1933–2016, Nok Suite, six each signed and dated Dec 58 or Jan 59; each inscribed with the respective title on the reverse
Aspire Art
Mar. 04, 2021
Christopher Uchefuna Okeke, Zawan
Est: R50,000 - R60,000
Christopher Uchefuna Okeke, Nigerian 1933–2016, Zakian, signed, dated and inscribed with the title bottom right
Aspire Art
Nov. 30, 2020
Uche Okeke | Untitled
Est: $1,400 - $2,200
Estimate: ₦ 600,000-1,000,000 | $1,400-2,200 | Uche Okeke (Nigerian, 1933-2016), Untitled, 1959, Linoprint, 13.3 x 14.5 cm. (5¼ x 5¾ in.), Signed and dated (verso).
Arthouse Contemporary
Oct. 08, 2020
Prof. Uche Okeke (Nigerian, 1933-2016) Head study
Est: £12,000 - £18,000
Prof. Uche Okeke (Nigerian, 1933-2016) Head study signed and dated 'Uche Okeke 1961' (lower left) oil on board 33 x 21cm (13 x 8 1/4in). For further information on this lot please visit the Bonhams website
Bonhams
Oct. 08, 2020
Prof. Uche Okeke (Nigerian, 1933-2016) 'Ana was not there, only Darkness'
Est: £5,000 - £8,000
Prof. Uche Okeke (Nigerian, 1933-2016) 'Ana was not there, only Darkness' signed and dated 'Uche Okeke 1976' (lower left) watercolour and bodycolour 23.5 x 32cm (9 1/4 x 12 5/8in). For further information on this lot please visit the Bonhams website
Bonhams
Sep. 03, 2020
Uche Okeke, From the Wild Region (from the Experiments ULI series)
Est: R18,000 - R24,000
Uche Okeke, From the Wild Region (from the Experiments ULI series)
Aspire Art
Sep. 03, 2020
Uche Okeke, Life II (from the Experiments ULI series)
Est: R18,000 - R24,000
Uche Okeke, Life II (from the Experiments ULI series)
Aspire Art
Mar. 18, 2020
Prof. Uche Okeke (Nigerian, 1933-2016) Head study
Est: £20,000 - £30,000
Prof. Uche Okeke (Nigerian, 1933-2016) Head study signed and dated 'Uche Okeke 1961' (lower left) oil on board 33 x 21cm (13 x 8 1/4in). For further information on this lot please visit the Bonhams website
Bonhams
Mar. 18, 2020
Prof. Uche Okeke (Nigerian, 1933-2016) The Crucifixion
Est: £15,000 - £20,000
Prof. Uche Okeke (Nigerian, 1933-2016) The Crucifixion signed and dated 'C UCHE OKEKE/ 1963' (lower left) gouache 50 x 34.5cm (19 11/16 x 13 9/16in). For further information on this lot please visit the Bonhams website
Bonhams
Feb. 14, 2020
Uche Okeke Nigerian 1933–2016 Nok Suite, six 1958/59 pen and ink on paper each signed and dated Dec 58 or Jan 59; each inscribed wit...
Est: R300,000 - R500,000
Uche Okeke Nigerian 1933–2016 Nok Suite, six 1958/59 pen and ink on paper each signed and dated Dec 58 or Jan 59; each inscribed with the respective title on the reverse 19 x 12.6 cm each Uche Okeke (1933-2016, Nigéria) Nok Suite, six, 1958/59 Stylo et encre sur papier Chacune signée et datée respectivement de décembre 58 et de janvier 59 ; Chacun portant le titre respectif au verso 19 x 12,6 cm chacun
Piasa
Feb. 14, 2020
Uche Okeke Nigerian 1933–2016 Oja Suite, six 1962 pen and ink on paper each signed and dated; each inscribed with the respective tit...
Est: R300,000 - R500,000
Uche Okeke Nigerian 1933–2016 Oja Suite, six 1962 pen and ink on paper each signed and dated; each inscribed with the respective title on the reverse 19 x 14.5 cm each Uche Okeke (1933-2016, Nigéria) Oja Suite, six, 1962 Stylo et encre sur papier Chacune signée et datée ; chacune portant le titre respectif au verso 19 x 14,5 cm chacun
Piasa
Oct. 03, 2019
Prof. Uche Okeke (Nigerian, 1933-2016) 19 works on paper: ((19))
Est: £20,000 - £30,000
Prof. Uche Okeke (Nigerian, 1933-2016) 19 works on paper: 1. Portrait of Oga, signed and dated 'Uche Okeke/ 65' (lower right), pen on paper, 31 x 11cm 2. The Unknown Brute, ink on paper, 14.5 x 21cm 3. Village Square at Moonshine, ink on paper, 22.5 x 14.5cm 4. Beast Savanah Country, signed and dated 'Uche Okeke/ 59' (lower left), charcoal on paper, 22.5 x 18cm 5. Moonlight, signed and dated 'Uche 1962' (lower left), ink on paper, 25 x 19cm 6. The Oracle of Gwong, signed and dated 'Uche Okeke/ '61' (lower right), linocut, A/P5, 15 x 10cm (plate) 7. Portrait of a man in profile, signed and dated 'Uche Okeke/ 16th August '59' (lower left), charcoal, 23.5 x 16cm 8. Man with Beard, signed and dated 'Uche '62' (lower right), ink on paper, 28 x 21cm 9. Alusi with Hat, initialled and dated 'UO/ 72' (lower left), charcoal, 25 x 35.5cm 10. Beastly figure, signed and dated 'Uche Okeke '64' (lower right), ink on paper, 32 x 29cm 11. Sofon Soja, charcoal, 37.5 x 27cm 12. Forest, initialled 'UO' (lower right), watercolour, 28 x 42.5cm 13. Refugee Family, signed and dated 'Uche Okeke 66' (lower right), artist's proof 1/5, linotype, 40.3 x 30.3cm (plate) 14. Baptism I, initialled 'UO' (lower left), linocut, 31 x 23cm (plate) 15. Flower Garden, signed and dated 'Uche Okeke 1972' (lower right), artist's proof 5, linocut, 40 x 32cm 16. Izu Market Days, signed and dated 'Uche Okeke 72' (lower right), artist proof 1, linotype, 40 x 41 (plate) 17. Portrait of a man wearing a fez, pencil on paper, 40 x 28.5cm 18. Aro, the Second Moon, signed and dated 'Uche Okeke 1972' (lower right), Artist's Proof 2, linotype, 41 x 40.5cm (plate) 19. Woman tearing her hair, signed 'Uche' (lower left), ink on paper, 60 x 42.5cm (19) For further information on this lot please visit the Bonhams website
Bonhams
Mar. 20, 2019
* Prof. Uche Okeke (Nigerian, 1933-2016) ANA's Wrath, 1960
Est: £3,000 - £5,000
Prof. Uche Okeke (Nigerian, 1933-2016) ANA's Wrath, 1960 signed and dated 'Uche Okeke '60' (upper right)pastel on paper14 x 27cm (5 1/2 x 10 5/8in).
Bonhams
Feb. 28, 2018
* Prof. Uche Okeke (Nigerian, 1933-2016) Kagoro
Est: £5,000 - £7,000
* PROF. UCHE OKEKE (NIGERIAN, 1933-2016) Kagoro signed and dated ‘Uche 1967 or 1962?’ (lower right) ink 60.5 x 41cm (23 13/16 x 16 1/8in).
Bonhams
Feb. 28, 2018
* Prof. Uche Okeke (Nigerian, 1933-2016) Blue Forest
Est: £5,000 - £8,000
* PROF. UCHE OKEKE (NIGERIAN, 1933-2016) Blue Forest initialed ‘UO’ lower right gouache 93 x 53cm (36 5/8 x 20 7/8in).
Bonhams
May. 16, 2017
UCHE OKEKE | Kate
Est: £20,000 - £30,000
oil on board
Sotheby's
Feb. 15, 2017
* Prof. Uche Okeke (Nigerian, 1933-2016) Adam and Eve
Est: £20,000 - £30,000
Prof. Uche Okeke (Nigerian, 1933-2016) Adam and Eve signed and dated 'Uche Okeke / 1965' (lower right); inscribed 'Uche Okeke/ Enugu 1965' (verso) oil on board 121 x 90cm (47 5/8 x 35 7/16in). Footnotes Provenance Private collection, Nigeria. Exhibited New York, Museum of Modern Art PS1, The Short Century: Independence and Liberation Movements in Africa, 1945-1994, February 10 to May 5, 2002. Cat. no. ? Literature C.Okeke-Agulu, Postcolonial Modernism: Art and Decolonization in Twentieth-Century Nigeria, illustrated p.269. This painting was part of The Short Century exhibition curated by Okwui Enwezor in 2002. The show was partly conceived as a 'biography' of Africa following the Second World War. The years between 1945 and 1994 were characterised by the continent's transition to independence. In 1945, the 5th Pan-African Congress gathered in Manchester to make their case for self-rule. The Negritude movement also spoke out against colonialism and cultural assimilation, encouraging black Africans to take pride in their heritage. As a swathe of African countries achieved independence in the 1960s and 70s, artists became increasingly preoccupied with developing distinct national styles, inspired by ancient African traditions as opposed to those of their colonial oppressors. Uche Okeke was at the forefront of this artistic movement. Previously, talented Nigerian artists had travelled to European academies for training. Okeke however was a home grown talent, studying at the Nigerian College of Arts, Science and Technology in Zaria from 1958 to 1961. Much of his work is grounded in Igbo folklore and mythology, depicting spirits and masqueraders. The fluid, broad brushstrokes of his compositions owe to the linear uli designs of the Igbo people. This painting, Adam and Eve, is unusual in Okeke's oeuvre in that it depicts a scene from Genesis. However, the representation of the first man and woman in Eden departs from the conventional iconography of Christian art in a number of respects. The curvilinear foliage in the foreground is a riot of colour and movement. The snaking dark tree branches on the left cut a stark contrast with the vibrant blue sky. The scene communicates life and the power of nature first and foremost; Adam's attempt to cover his genitals is the only signpost of the painting's Biblical source. Okeke's colourful re-imagining of the Garden of Eden is an attempt to offer a uniquely Nigerian interpretation of the oft-painted scene. The work has been exhibited at the Villa Stuck in Munich, the House of World Cultures in Berlin, and MoMA in New York. Bibliography O.Enwezor, The Short Century: Independence and Liberation Movements in Africa, 1945-1994, exhibition catalogue, (2002) pp.2-5.
Bonhams
Feb. 15, 2017
* Prof. Uche Okeke (Nigerian, 1933-2016) Blue Forest
Est: £8,000 - £12,000
Prof. Uche Okeke (Nigerian, 1933-2016) Blue Forest initialed 'UO' lower right gouache 93 x 53cm (36 5/8 x 20 7/8in).
Bonhams
Feb. 15, 2017
* Prof. Uche Okeke (Nigerian, 1933-2016) Kagoro
Est: £7,000 - £10,000
Prof. Uche Okeke (Nigerian, 1933-2016) Kagoro signed and dated 'Uche 1967 or 1962?' (lower right) ink 60.5 x 41cm (23 13/16 x 16 1/8in). Footnotes Provenance Artist's estate, Lagos. Uche Okeke was born to an Igbo family in 1933. He was raised in Northern Nigeria, and spent much of his early life travelling the region and sketching. Between 1964 and 1965, the artist made a number of visits to Jos where his future wife was studying. During this period, he became familiar with the nearby town, Kagoro. The region is famed for its tree-lined mountain range. Okeke was entranced by the hills and depicted them in a number of ink drawings and watercolors, of which the present lot is one.
Bonhams