Ben Osaghae

Acquired directly from the artist by the present owner in 2000

The canvas is unlined, impasto is good. Surface dirt is visible along the framing edges, particularly evident on the upper framing edge. Seven brown splatters, the largest measuring 3 cm, can be seen in the lower middle part of the canvas. Examination under UV light reveals some light craquelure can be seen in the black section between the second figure's right arm and knee, along this figure's right shin, on the back of the lower figure, and in the white background on the lower left of the canvas. Under UV light, there is no evidence of retouch or repair.
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Osaghae is celebrated as one of the most prominent artists in post-independence Nigeria. This work, made during the later period of Osaghae’s artistic production, exemplifies his signature techniques of bold coloured backgrounds, blurred subjects, and an energetic force of emotion.

In this untitled painting, the red background is compelling in emphasizing the emotions of grief, anger, and passion conveyed by the subjects. Here, the illustrated figures are positioned with their heads bowed down, and crouched knees. As a consistent theme in his body of work, Osaghae addressed topics of institutional corruption and injustice in Nigeria.

In his online obituary, Jess Castellote writes, 'No other Nigerian artist was able to portray so vividly the liveliness, complexity and vibrancy of Lagos life. Sometimes this was done just through a small “vignette” with one of two characters; other times it is a whole tableau of the city’s inhabitants. But it was always done with the confidence and self-assurance of a visual chronicler that happened to be an extraordinary draughtsman'.