Tuesday 25 March 2025

Lot 374

Uche Okeke, Nigerian 1933-2016 - Mural for the Children's Library in Enugu, c.1964; oil on panel,...

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Lot 374

Uche Okeke, 
Nigerian 1933-2016 - 
Mural for the Children's Library in Enugu, c.1964;
oil on panel,...

Starting Bid: £55,000

Estimate: £80,000 - £120,000

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Lot 374

Description

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.

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Buyer's Premium

The buyer shall pay the hammer price together with a premium thereon of 26% up to £20,000 (31.2% inclusive of VAT), 25% from £20,001 - £500,000 (30% inclusive of VAT), 20% from £500,001 thereafter (24% inclusive of VAT). The premium price is subject to VAT at the standard rate.

VAT
VAT is not charged on the hammer price unless it is stated that there is 'VAT applicable on the hammer price at the end of the description. Buyer's premium is subject to VAT.
(ARR) - ARTIST'S RESALE RIGHT

Qualifying living artists and the descendants of artists deceased within the last 70 years are entitled to receive a re-sale royalty each time their work is bought through an auction house or art market professional.

It applies to lots with hammer value over £1,000 as follows:
0 to £50,000 - 4%
£50,000.01 to £200,000 - 3%
£200,000.01 to £350,000 - 1%
£350,000.01 to £500,000 - 0.5%
Exceeding £500,000 - 0.25%
ARR is capped at £12,500

Please note ARR is calculated in euros. Auctioneers will apply current exchange rates.

Export of goods

Buyers intending to export goods should ascertain whether an export licence is required before bidding. Export licences are issued by Arts Council England and application forms can be obtained from its Export Licensing Unit. Details can be found on the ACE website www.artscouncil.org.uk or by phoning ACE on 020 7973 5188. The need for import licences varies from country to country and you should acquaint yourself with all relevant local requirements and provisions before bidding. The refusal of any such licences shall not permit the cancelling of any sale nor allow any delay in making full payment for the lot.

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