Lot 12: Rufus Ogundele (Nigerian, 1946-1996) Birds 19 7/8 x 48 1/4in (50.5 x 122.5cm)

Birds
signed and dated 'Rufus Ogundele 1974' (lower right)
oil on board
19 7/8 x 48 1/4in (50.5 x 122.5cm)

Ogundele's family name means 'Ogun worshipper'; Ogun is the Yoruba orisha of war, fire, and iron. Although raised as a Christian in the Anglican Christ Mission Society, Ogundele combined the European artistic techniques he developed at the Oshogbo workshops with the teachings of traditional Yoruba culture. His subject matter attests to his strong beliefs, which are rooted in Yoruba culture and life, and the dominant presence of color in Ogundele's work appears to underscore the power of Ogun as a factor in the artist's life.