Ben Enwonwu whose full name is Odinigwe Benedict Chukwukadibia Enwonwu MBE (14 July 1917 – 5 February 1994), professionally known as Ben Enwonwu, was a pioneering Nigerian painter and sculptor whose work significantly influenced 20th-century African art.
Early Life and Education
Born in Onitsha, Nigeria, Enwonwu was introduced to art by his father, a traditional sculptor of masks and religious figures.
Ben Uri He pursued formal education at Government College, Ibadan, and Government College, Umuahia, before receiving a Shell Petroleum scholarship in 1944 to study in the United Kingdom. There, he attended Goldsmiths College and the Slade School of Fine Art, University College London, where he honed his skills in painting and sculpture.
ALSO READ: Saburi Oladeni Biobaku: Distinguished Nigerian historian, scholar, and academic administrator
Career Highlights
Enwonwu’s illustrious career featured numerous notable achievements:
- Queen Elizabeth II Portrait (1956): Commissioned by the British government, Enwonwu sculpted a bronze statue of Queen Elizabeth II, marking a significant moment in his career.
- “Tutu” Series (1973): He painted three portraits of Princess Adetutu Ademiluyi, known as “Tutu,” which became iconic symbols of Nigerian art. One of these long-lost paintings was rediscovered in 2017 and sold for £1,205,000 at a Bonhams auction.
Legacy and Impact
Enwonwu’s contributions to art were recognized with several honors, including:
- Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 1958
- Officer of the National Order of the Republic in Senegal in 1971
- National Order of Merit in Nigeria in 1980
His work not only elevated African art on the global stage but also inspired future generations of artists. The Enwonwu crater on the planet Mercury is named in his honor, underscoring his lasting legacy.
Source: Wikipedia
