Notes

George Lilanga was born in Kikwetu village, near the Mozambique/Tanzania border, and from a young age was encouraged to carve in soft cassava roots and later in hard African blackwood. His work is now instantly recognisable. Moved by traditional Makonde sculpture – with its twisting figures and serpentine silhouettes – Lilanga developed a unique two-dimensional aesthetic based on lively, elongated forms, geometric pattern, and rich, clashing colour. While aspects of his work revolve around social critique, his paintings, enlivened by zoomorphic figures, are inevitably infused with humour.

Provenance

The Jean Pigozzi Contemporary African Art Collection.

Sotheby's, London, 24 June 1999, lot 44.

Christie's, Paris, 31 May 2010, lot 173.

Bonhams, London, 28 February 2018, lot 50.

Private Collection.