Ben Enwonwu
14 July 1917 – 5 February 1994
Ben Enwonwu was a Nigerian painter and sculptor considered a pioneer of African modernism. Blending European academic training with Igbo cultural heritage, he gained international fame and produced iconic works including a bronze sculpture of Queen Elizabeth II and the celebrated 'Tutu' portrait series.
Lived at the same time
Well-documented people whose lives overlapped with Ben Enwonwu.
- Arthur C. Clarke (1917–2008) Overlapped 77 years →
- Astrid Lindgren (1907–2002) Overlapped 77 years →
- Augusto Pinochet (1915–2006) Overlapped 77 years →
- Bill Hewlett (1913–2001) Overlapped 77 years →
- Cahit Arf (1910–1997) Overlapped 77 years →
- Chien-Shiung Wu (1912–1997) Overlapped 77 years →
Life events
Born into an Igbo family; his father was a traditional sculptor.
Source: en.wikipedia.orgTrained in the United Kingdom, including at the Slade School of Fine Art in London.
Source: en.wikipedia.orgServed in an official capacity shaping cultural and artistic policy in newly independent Nigeria.
Source: en.wikipedia.orgProduced the celebrated bronze sculpture symbolizing an awakening Nigeria, versions of which stand at the UN in New York.
Source: en.wikipedia.orgWas commissioned to create a life-size sculpture of the British monarch, who sat for him.
Source: en.wikipedia.orgTaught and mentored a generation of Nigerian artists.
Source: en.wikipedia.orgCreated portraits of Ife princess Adetutu Ademiluyi that became icons of African art.
Source: en.wikipedia.orgDied at the age of 76, honored as a founding figure of modern Nigerian art.
Source: en.wikipedia.org