Africa Dances (Negritude)
Provenance :
Exhibited :
Literature :
Notes : During his time studying in London in the 1940s, Enwonwu first embarked on his Africa Dances series, in reaction to Geoffrey Gorer’s 1935 book of the same name. The book critiques colonial rule and its impact on traditional life in Africa. In the Africa Dances series, Enwonwu illustrates his own views on the state of modern Nigerian culture at the time, using symbolic imagery in scenes of dance, and ritual performance from his Onitsha-Igbo heritage. Enwonwu revisited the theme throughout his career, exploring a range of dance forms, from masquerade and traditional ceremonies, to modern dance and performance.
Condition_report : This work is executed on card and is laid on board. There appear to be light bumps to the corners of the work, likely due to previous framing intent. The work exhibits minor abrasions and handling marks towards the framing edge and only visible on close inspection. The most severe of these abrasions are located in the top right-hand corner and mid right-hand edge of the work. On close inspection, there is a light wrinkle to the paper, located in the lower left-hand edge of the work. The excepting, the work appears to be in good and stable condition.
