Place: Onitsha
Born: 1931
Death: 1996
Biography:
, a Nigerian-born artist, was born on December 25, 1931. He settled in Britain in the 1940s, with only one brief return to his homeland in the 1970s. Despite this, he remained deeply concerned with African political struggles. According to Rasheed Araeen, Egonu was 'perhaps the first person from Africa, Asia or the Caribbean to come to Britain after the War with the sole intention of becoming an artist.'
Egonu's work merged European and Igbo traditions, redefining the boundaries of modernism. His art challenged the European myth of the naive, primitive African artist. The Flutist, a notable piece, showcases Egonu's graphic representation of his cultural heritage.
* The Flutist (Gouache on Canvas, Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art, Lagos, Nigeria) * Featured in the Uzo Egonu's Portfolio on Wikioo.org * Exhibited at the Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art, Lagos, Nigeria
Egonu's pioneering work in modernism has been recognized globally. His contributions to African art have been celebrated, inspiring a new generation of artists.
: Clicking on the Uzo Egonu's name at the top of any page on Wikioo.org web site takes you to his 3D portfolio, where his artwork magically floats on the web page for a convenient display. Move your mouse to browse better, and click on any work to view it in a larger size, already framed and hanging on the wall.